Mother, what were those tears

SO NOW I KNOW



Mother, what were those tears

that choked in your throat

whenever I did something grand?

Like sing in the chior,

or bring you a flower

or simply take hold of your hand?


Mother, what were those tears

that you wanted to hide

when I simply said, "I love you."?

and why did you choke

or turn from my glance

to hide those sweet tears from my view?


I can answer those questions with confidence now

that comes from no books I have known

Because I now hide

and sputter and choke

As I worship a child of my own.