A Mother's Hope

The tiny, fleshy thing reaches out,
attempting with all its might to grasp
onto something sure and solid in this
world of infinite uncertainties,
something that will keep it anchored
amidst the storms and whirlwinds
that have yet to reveal themselves.
Such dainty, almost delicate softness
there is to this smooth, dimpled paw,
the nails shining under the soft yellow
lamp light glowing calmly above it.
But this is no weakling- though in
comparison to others, it is the most
vulnerable and defenseless thing to
have ever entered this world- no, it
clings to my finger with a fist of iron,
unwilling and loath to part with its grip
on this one sure thing, this one solid
hold on something that it trusts
wholeheartedly to keep it safe through
the treacherous nights and calescent days.

All around is peace and silence, now,
if only for this moment, this passing glance
of eternity, here in the dark blue cushions
of the inherited rocking chair
three generations back.
And she gurgles sleepily, an accepted sign
of weariness so early on in her intrepid days,
for truly, one must possess bravery and courage
to face this world, this earth, alongside others
who would wish to harm, to injure, if only
to the end of self-gain and prideful fulfillment.
Soon, too soon, she will grow into a beautiful
young woman, a lovely budding rose just
beginning to reveal the deep, vibrant color within
and display all her inner charm and grace to
the one who will vow to keep her in comfort,
in poverty, in wellness and illness, until
the very end of eternity itself.

But for now, all is calm and quiet,
as she, my living hope, slumbers serenely in her crib.