The Way of a Mother

The Way of a Mother

Who has discerned the way
Of a mother with a child?—
The defining feature of domestic life
And altogether wild.

Your strength flies by night,
Like a migratory bird
In gentle flight,
Guided by instinct to give us life.

Your gift was a shout in the night
As you labored in love
And blood and writhing—
That we may know bliss.

Your kiss is forever on our forehead—
Our fears to be repelled—
As we leave your nest to build our own,
Because we have been properly held.