A Light, A Song..
Addie M. Hendrick

My mother sang old lullabies to me
When her young arms encompassed all my world;
And left a light to shine protectingly
Into the corners where strange shadows swirled
In terrifying shapes; and I sang, too,
To lull your childish hurts; set flickering flame
To ready wick when darkenss threatened you;
The song, the light, the purpose were the same.

Watching, I listen while familiar strands
Of melody and brightness interweave
About a drowsy child; while lips and hands
Create a safe haven, and I do believe,
O Daughter, Mother, we are of a throng
To be remembered as a light, a song.