A Mother’s Resolve

Little one, I hear your breath,

See you shudder as you rest—

Your translucent eyelids closed,

Your delicate mouth a tiny 'o'

Little do you know…

I will spend my very life,

Make every needed sacrifice,

I will uphold your dignity,

Whatever the cost may be to me,

I will feed you with my own food,

Hold you till your fear's subdued,

Clothe you with my own clothes

Heal your hurts and hear your woes,

I will make you feel that you are loved

When others say you aren't enough,

I will listen to you when you speak

Remind you to choose words lovingly,

Hold you to a higher standard,

Hug you when you're feeling battered,

Offer you a cup of tea,

Watch a movie with you, or three,

Scold you when you are wrong,

Sing with you your favorite song,

All this and more I'd do for you,

and each one of your siblings too.

And as you all grow and learn to live,

One more thing to you I'll give:

I will teach you how to love all others,

Especially the ones who have no mothers.