The Heart of a Mother

The mysteries of life,

Are held in her hands.

She speaks the wisdom,

Of a thousand lands.

Children's dreams cascade,

Through ribbons of sweat and tears.

Heaven knows it takes a toll,

On a mother through the years.

Sacrifice becomes her companion;

Mountains claimed never end.

Joy comes in dull packages;

No hurt is too small to mend.

Late nights, early mornings;

Loving work never ends.

She shows no earthly weakness,

Her determination never ends.

Time blinks and jumps ahead,

Taking with it a toddler's foot steps;

Leaving behind snippets of delight,

Hiding a teen's blunders and missteps.

Why does she toil day in and out?

Her heart was fractured, a piece given away,

To the wee babe once held in her arms;

'Tis her heart she must protect each day.