Mum Poem by Ted Middleton

When I was just a little boy, whenever I was hurt
My mother oft with bandages, at times torn from her skirt
Would clean me up then hug me, to melt away my fears
And I would notice often, that her eyes would fill with tears

When I asked my mother why, she cried each time I fell
She smiled at me and kissed me - and said 'To make you well
I often have to feel your hurt, I cry from all your pain
Then later on I feel so good, that you are well again'

And so I asked my father then, why mother cried so much
He said 'She is a woman, all women have that touch'
I never really understood, but pondered many years
Why mum was so emotional, so easily moved to tears

One night while I was praying, I asked God why mums cry
A voice so sudden answered me, 'No mums eyes will be dry
I made her for good reason, that she serve her family well
That mothers can be seen to care - that all her flock can tell'

'I gave all mums a special strength, withstanding childbirth's strain
And rejection children often show, that give their mothers pain
I made her hard - to carry on, where others often stall
To handle her own sickness - and remain on constant call'

'I made all mothers sensitive, to love without reserve
Even with some words that hurt, her love will never swerve
She'll even carry husbands, through ordeals from the start
I even made her from his rib, to protect his very heart'.

'Thats why she has a tear to shed, Its something she can use
A retreat that she can rest upon, whenever she may choose
So she can be renewed again - and show the world her worth
With inner strength to carry, all the pains upon the earth'