Mother Earth

by Diane Graebner

There's a reason we call it "Mother Earth,"

This planet that nurtured, and gave us birth.

For a mother gives of herself when a child is there

Her pain; her hope; her love; her prayers.

And each creature, each flower, each plant and stone

Is a gift from our "mother", to call our own.

For like the Earth, a mother's gifts

Are part of her soul; are what she is.

A mother's love, a mother's song,

A mother's milk and arm so strong

Are all there to guide; To protect and provide

From a child's youngest days.

And as that child grows, and flies from the nest,

A mothers prayers are the armor that makes every test

Though difficult, a task none the less

Attainable.

A mother's shoulder is also there

To cry on, or to ease any care

That burdens a child in any way.

So to my mothers, both of you true,

"Mother Earth", and mother -- you.

I give back some of what was given to me

I give back my soul, my life to thee.

And when I hear a bird's sweet song

Or smell a flower, or ponder long

Over cloud, or sunset, or the sun's heat strong.

I'll think of my mother, and though we're apart

I'll always have her in my heart.

Mother with Diane