IN THE MIRROR

As I look kindly upon this complex visage

I reflect.

I see the joy,

The grace

And the mystery that is motherhood.

Behold a face that has felt every feeling

And lived so many emotions!

I survey the lines,

Notice the imperfections

And ponder the passage of time.

My eyes are filled with wonder.

They have gazed upon you as you slept,

Watch you grow

And witness the miracles of life.

Lips that once brushed your newborn cheek

Now smile with the secrets

That only a mother can know.

This mouth

Has imparted many pearls of parental wisdom.

I did not always say the right thing

Or use the right words.

I raised my voice to scold you,

Tempered it to praise you

And softly whispered lullabies

For only you to hear.

I have never stopped listening for you.

With these ears I heard your thoughts.

My intuition guided me

As I responded to your cries.

I brush back my hair.

It was so often neglected

In the name of motherhood.

My head sould spin with all that I had to do

For you.

Now I hold it high and commend myself.

And what of this impressive figure

That I see before me?

I celebrate how it has stood the test of time.

These shoulders have carried themselves well.

They shrugged in resignation

And sagged under the strains of family life.

I now throw them back with pride

In honor of a job well done.

I think of you

And my chest swells with devotion.

How I embraced you!

These breasts that nurtured you

Were once your sanctuary.

My arms have been your comfort and support.

They cuddled and cradles

And ached to hold you when we were apart.

They now have the power to hug from afar.

I reach out my hands.

They tied your shoes, tussled your hair

And earnestly folded in prayer

To beseech your well-being.

These fingers washed, ironed and held you tight.

They lovingly molded you into a person

Of substance.

You flourished

under the deftness of a mother’s touch.

i stand resolute with a stalwart back

That bore such pain as I brought you

Into this world.

I persevered

And have carried the mantle of motherhood

With dignity.

Look at these noble hips!

You sat securely on your perch

While I toted you around,

Shifting you from left side to right…

Right side to left…

And we went happily about our days together.

You kept me on my toes.

These nimble feet

Paced, ran and treaded lightly

To keep up with your life.

On tireless legs I strode ahead to guide you

And followed close behind to catch you.

Now I walk beside you as a friend.

I remember.

I reflect.

The mirror does not lie.

The humanity, the magic and the passion

Of being a mother

Is there for everyone to see.

I rejoice!