MOTHER'S DAYS

I loved all the attention,
the presents and the fuss; 
This was the day I was pampered;
my kids thought it was a "must."
The little ones picked flowers
fresh from the neighbors' yard,
And son and daughters labored
to create a rhyming card.

My breakfast eggs were solid,
and were served with blackened toast;
and the upturned gaze
that awaited my praise
was the thing I loved the most!
Now that I'm young no longer,
and all have left the nest,
I smile when I think
of my hours at the sink
in those days when I got no rest.

There were diapers on the clothesline,
and toys strewn on the floor;
'Bout fifty times a day I'd yell,
"You forgot to close the door!"
"Stop teasing your little sister!"
"Don't fight! -- you must be sweet."
"Did you wash behind your ears?"
"Go back and wipe your feet!"

"You spilled your juice on Mommy!
Yes, I know you didn't try."
"Watch the baby while I change;
No, Honey, Mommy won't cry."
          and then I'd pray,
"Dear Lord, I surely thank You that
when goodnight prayers are said,
I can hug each soft, warm body,
and tuck them all in bed!