What We Carry

By Donna Carrick

I have loved like a river,

Full and flowing,

Endless.

Alive and dancing with the wild energy 

Of youth.

I have touched like a wife,

Warm hands giving, forgiving,

Soothing under uncertain skies.

I have sheltered like a home,

Like a hearth, like a mother,

One arm resting over a sleeping child.

Keep you safe, warm, dry, fed.

Grow you like the free swaying willows 

That line the edge of our world.

I’ve sung songs out of melody,

Lyrics whirling in my heart.

Voice reaching the moon, the stars,

Your soul.

Forever out of tune

Yet undeniably beautiful.

I have fussed like a matron,

Proud and beaming,

Watching the sun shine on youthful faces,

Reflecting my own irrepressible love.