My Mother's Lap

My mother's lap was just for me when I fell down and skinned my knee.

She'd lift me up and there I'd stay until she brushed each tear away.

Her arms would hold me to her chest and there I'd fall in peaceful rest.

Lulled by her tones of whispered hymn my eyes would close, the lights would dim.

I grew too big to climb upon my mother's lap which soon was gone.

My own sweet babies when they cried did climb upon my lap and hide.

I'd lift them up and dry their tears until their face showed no more fears.

My arms would hold them close to me and there I'd let them sleep and be.

Sweet hymns I'd whisper in their ears, my eyes dampened my cheeks with tears.

I grew too big to climb upon my mother's lap which soon was gone.

But there I was with child on mine singing those songs so lost in time.

My children all have grown and gone, my lap to small to sit upon.

They'll bring their babies home to me and on my lap is where they'll be.

I'll whisper things like "I love you." We'll laugh until our face turns blue.

And when they fall and skin their knee, upon grandmother's lap they'll be.

I grew too big to climb upon my mother's lap which soon was gone.

My children too, have grown like that. My lap's not empty where they sat.

Grandchildren now do take their place and bless my heart, my soul, my face.

'Though years have left their mark on me "The best," I'm told, "is yet to be."

(reposted from Mother's Day 2010)