Let Me Be Your Friend

For Wanda, and all mothers --- I can't forget the feeling when first I heard you cry. I couldn't understand you though, I wanted, so, to try. Bewildered tears ran down your face. I couldn't tell you then. Now I think you understand that's how a life begins. A tiny little baby so helpless and so weak -- Already had some things to say, but, knew not how to speak. Forced into a different world than that from which you came - You had to face a brand new life before you knew your name. A mother's love surrounded you in the world from which you came. And, as you grow, from day to day, I hope you'll feel the same. As time goes passing by, I hope we'll not pretend, Let me be there when you cry - Just let me be your friend. Both a student and a teacher in your life, I want to be. There are things that you can learn from me, and some you can teach me. Wherever life may take you, a mother's love I'll send. So, when you really need someone, just let me be your friend. My child, I hope you understand that I don't know it all. At times along uncertain roads, you may see me trip and fall. So, I hope you'll be there too, if I should need to mend. And, whether happiness or sorrow comes, please let me be your friend. Author's Comments: "Why God gave this to me, I'll never know. It is the emotion I believe most mothers feel. It was 1982 and I was driving alone from Houston to Waco where Wanda and Joan, my wife and daughter, were to meet me. I started thinking over and over about mothers and children. I remember scribbling on a pad lying on the passenger’s seat of the car as I drove along the interstate (a practice I certainly don't recommend). By the time I reached Waco, the poem just needed cleaning up and polishing up...... Jake"