These eyes watched over me
day and night –
chicken pox, scabbed knees,
loose teeth or injured pride –
there was no pain
she could not soothe.
She looks so far away,
but deep inside I see
the memory of us…
my home base, my safety,
my soft place to land.
These strong hands
that picked me up
more times than I can count
lie quiet now, curled closed
against the blanket,
hot then cold then hot again.
Her skin’s too thin,
too fragile for the woman
who fought for me, without fail,
without fear.
My champion, my mama bear –
now I watch over her
with protective eyes and fierce heart,
bearing witness
to this love.

– ljh 1/14/16

mombetsyme