A Tribute to Women Everywhere.
The Magical First Years
Smooth as duckling's down
Waxy from purple peeled-paper crayons
Stuck fingers mucky thick with Elmer's.
Moving Into Adulthood
Wet licked fingers zipping homework pages
Knuckles white as pearls gripping steering wheel
Spending first pay check earned
Caressing a secret love's face.
The Becoming Years
White veil placed by trembling fingers
Watery-wrinkles soaping dinner dishes
Walking life's path, hand in hand.
Germination
Tenderly caressing swollen belly
Cradling a downy head
Feeling a raging fever.
The Best Years By Far
Throwing crazy balls, sewing frilly frocks
Signing streams of school reports
Wiping tear-stained faces flushed in pain.
The Ebbing Years
Waving goodbye, first-born leaves
Waving hello, longed for company
Sheltering shoulders in great sorrow.
What It Is All About
Compassionate wrinkles born of service
Aging pigment, mementos of
One's life passing on to another.
These are a Mother's Hands
Praying for All Mothers Wherever They May Be
Sharon
