A Working Mother’s Pain

 

Just minutes before, you were so happy…

 

Looking at me with your big blue eyes

still somnolent from your peaceful night’s rest.

Your soft, blonde hair beginning to curl from the early morning

moisture in the air.

Cheeks pink from yesterday’s escapades in the sunshine.

Hoping we are just visiting, soon to leave together…

mother and child.

 

As you begin to sense my inevitable departure,

tears begin to form in your once clear eyes.

Your pudgy hand softly strokes my hair as if silently

pleading to be not left behind.

As you are gently lifted from my arms, the tears flow more

freely from your desperately saddened eyes.

Your small arms outstretched, begging to be taken back into

my familiar grasp.

 

My heart aches as I walk away, yearning to run back

and comfort your apparent anguish.

Inside apologizing to you for my “other” life, the life that daily

takes me away from my true love…

 

The unparalleled privilege of being your “mommy.”