Mommy Dear

When I was one and bruised my knee,
Mommy dear was there for me.
She kissed my ankle and my toe,
And somehow that softened the blow.

When I was two and speaking fast,
Mommy dear saw that it’d last.
She told me stories in the night,
Changing darkness into light.

When I was three and drama queen,
Mommy dear played out a scene
In which I was a princess of
A kingdom that was filled with love.

When I was four and bathed the rug,
Mommy dear just gave a shrug.
Strawberry shampoo for my hair
Now scented the carpet there.

When I was five and went to school,
Mommy dear laid down the rule.
Play with children, remain sweet;
Share your toys and do not cheat.

When I was six and dreamt a dream,
Mommy dear assured me cream
Inside the cupcakes that I gave.
About my birthday, kids did rave.

When I was seven and lived to write,
Mommy dear just kept in sight
The day I’d published author be
When she’d rejoice and be happy.

When I was eight and cried one day
Mommy dear taught me to pray.
Thank God for the life He’s charmed;
Ask Him to keep you safe and warm.

When I was nine and read LOTR,
Mommy dear put cookies in a jar.
Almost grown-up but still a child,
She tamed a beauty once so wild.

When I was ten and felt lonely,
Mommy dear said it was only
The malice of children so unkind;
They were jealous of my mind.

When I was eleven, breaking free,
Mommy dear developed me,
Allowing my thoughts to wander so,
Making sure that I would grow.

When I was twelve, with curly hair,
Mommy dear taught me an air
At once graceful, yet refined;
Elegance and wit entwined.

When I was thirteen, trying still,
Mommy dear showed me that thrills
Of the body had no place
When it came to a mental race.

When I was fourteen, all was dark.
Mommy dear made a remark:
“One day they shall see it, too;
Truth has filled you through and through.”

When I was fifteen, all at odds,
Mommy dear showed me that God
Had created me exactly so
And one day I too would glow.

When I was sixteen, oh-so-brazen,
Mommy dear chose to emblazon
Respect for others on my soul
And how that lesson took its toll!

When I was seventeen, running wild,
Mommy dear saw the moonlight child,
Raised her up and brought her high,
Despite the fact I made her cry.

When I was eighteen, walking a road
Mommy dear knew would not corrode
My spirit, my essence or my light,
She fought my battles, every fight.

When I was nineteen, weeping low
Mommy dear told me that dough
Can only rise once it’s been beaten,
Pummeled to a pulp, then eaten.

Now I am twenty, bruised once more,
Mommy dear shall share her lore.
In her wisdom, she knows to fall
Only helps you to stand tall.

Mommy dear has always been
My lady who can see within;
In her presence, I am awed;
Who am I? A simple fraud.

In grandeur does my Mother walk;
She watches her children like a hawk.
Guards them so that they may grow;
Frightens others who would sow

The winter of their discontent
Amidst the children of her tent.
We do not know her sorrows, for
Her own suffering she ignores.

In favor of giving us her all.

Mommy dear, what does one say;
How to thank the golden ray
Of sunshine who yet lights my way?

May God take away your pain.
May He grant you life again.
Take away your tears, don’t weep;
Go to bed in peaceful sleep.

There is darkness, but the day
Brings beauty, more than I can say.
And though my grandmother is ill
There are swallows on the window sill.
They are singing, Mommy dear;
Listen, listen- and you’ll hear.

There are many paths we yet shall walk;
Many times we’ll take to talk.
The color has not yet been taken;
From this darkness, you’ll awaken.

For I love you, Mommy dear.
And I will rescue you- no fear.