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I am Mother


I am the dirty sock picker-up,
the bottle washer,
the taker of stones out of pockets,
the kisser-better of sores.

I am the lunch-box packer
and the supper-server
and the complaint-bearer;
the driver-back of forgotten things.

I am the tidier of cupboards
and toys
and dirty dishes.

I am the homework-helper.
I am the arbitrator,
judge and jury of quarrels.

I am the motivator
after life's blows.

I am the listener,
the teacher,
the shouter.

I am tired.
I am tireless.

I am mother.



Natalie Simmons 2010

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