motherhood

poignant joys

sweetest sorrows

days stretch out

nights interrupted

i give

and give again

more is demanded

i wonder if i can keep on

endurance fails

emotions fray

strength flags

small hand clasps mine

bright eyes meet my tired gaze

"i love you, mama" sounds in my ears

smiles meet me unexpectedly

i am greeted by laughter

joy and song

love floods my being

with beautiful, piercing pain

motivates me to indeed keep on

as my weariness abates

i even go beyond

mere survival

i delight

create

teach

laugh

sing

joy

yes, my days are full

full of love and

pure, poignant joys

tempered with sweet sorrows