Within the Shelter of Mother's Arms

Within the Shelter of a Mother’s Arms
By Debbie Morris

I dream you are still a baby tucked safely within the shelter of my arms.
I hold you selfishly, sharing your innocent sweetness with no one
Not with the grandparents who marvel at your existence,
Not with the sisters who adore your tiny fingers and toes,
Not even with the father who helped create you one bright, mid-spring afternoon.

You are my child, I tell them,
My beloved Aquarian child whose eyes glimmer with hope that only I can see,
Hurt that only I can feel,
Stubbornness that only I know,
Will lead your soul on a search for freedom, far away from the shelter of my arms.

I wake in darkness and listen to the heartbreaking sobs from your room across the hall.
I clench my heart to keep it from breaking – you share your pain with no one,
Not with the friends who cherish your companionship,
Not with the kitten who purrs by your side,
Not with the mother who still longs to comfort you inside the shelter of her arms.

You are no longer my child, you tell me,
You have dreams that I cannot see,
Aches that I cannot heal,
Freewill that I cannot rule;
You no longer allow me confine you within the shelter of my arms.

I watch in silence as you carefully design the path that will lead you away from me.
I let go slowly – asking the Goddesses above to provide you with courage and light
With joy, never sadness,
With love that your heart will always cherish,
And with wisdom to know that there will always be a home for you...

Within the shelter of my arms.