A mother listens

T

hey are so small and fragile,

you are afraid you will not hear

So you lay awake and... listen

They are little and just in the next room,

suddenly it is very quiet

So you go to the doorway and... listen

They are bigger and have so much to tell you about their day

You are busy and very tired but you make the time

and... listen

They are a little bigger and so secretive, they do not say much anymore

You must find different ways to ... listen

They are teenagers and talk a strange new language

You try hard to hear without commenting and just... listen

They are growing up, all at once they know it all

It’s best to let them think so and... listen

They are becoming adults, they want to talk and ask your advice

There might be things you do not want to hear, but you... listen

They grow up and go away

You hate the silence, the phone rings, you can’t wait to . . . listen

They come to visit with their kids, all demanding your ears at once

Someone shouts “be quiet!”, no it’s all right, it’s so wonderful to ... listen

They get older, you get old, they speak loud as if you are deaf

It’s okay, you nod your head and... listen

You pass on, and when they pray, they do not ask for God

They need to talk to you, God is gracious, and once again He lets you... listen

- Carolee Hudgins