some gifts our mothers
gave us we seem sometimes
to forget

not the teachings of how to be
kind or safe

not even the gift of love

that...

we don't usually mistake

though quite important
not her wise advice

not her bedtime kisses or
soft lullabies

all these we usually
give much sway

rightly so we should
be thankful each day

but...

I wonder if when you

look in the mirror
do you see her within

is she in your
eyes or your smile

do you have the
same shade of skin

did she give you
her sense of humor

did she give you
her laugh or her voice

do you see her hands
when you look at your own

of course, for these
she had no choice

still...

how you walk
stand
or sit

your height
and
your size

your color of hair

your color of eyes

all these and more
she gave you
by being a lover or wife

and giving to you
the greatest gift
the amazing gift of life.