To You Mom

In my dream,
I just saw you eating an orange.
Some things can seem so simple and small when really,
what is true,
is the memory is you.
Times I have seen you in my young boys' eyes.
Times I have heard you in my sweet baby girls sighs.
Sometimes they are you and mom,
you can believe these words hold true,
I am loving you.
In my life
you listened with love.
You are one
who taught me patience,
with kindness and laughter.
Now I am a mom
and I listen for your words,
long after.
Do I listen,
keeping love in mind?
Will my children cherish me,
as I cherish you?
These are ancient questions
that many daughters
bring to the women
who brought them here.
Still,
I wonder if you trust
the depth of my respect for you.
And that
I still hold you so very dear.

Nancy McEldowney
2/18/99