A Mama sleeps, warm in her bed
A floorboard creaks and she rouses
A child's complaint "I'm not feeling well"
A Mama treats and tucks a child in beside her.
A child sleeps, warm in her arms
A Mama frets, "What if?"
A Mama touches, lips to forehead
And tries to sleep.
A child wakes, returns to her bed,
A Mama worries, wakeful.
The night passes, a child sleeps
A Mama fusses, keeps to herself.
The morning dawns, a Mama rises
And checks the children, cool in their beds.
A Mama sighs and starts the day
Tired with the effort of healing through worry.
Devorah Zamansky July 18, 2007
