“Reflections of a Young Mother,” Ensign, Apr. 1976, 43
Reflections of a Young Mother
I’m tired today
Because your crying kept
Me near your bedside through the night.
Your fevered body sought the solace that
My arms could give.
I smiled today
To see you fold your arms
While Daddy said the blessing on the food.
I wonder what your infant-bodied spirit can express
Besides the form of prayer.
I’m proud today
That you can walk
And that your language tells me of your needs.
I’ve learned to let you struggle with the difficult;
That helps you grow.
I laughed today
To see you play together putting dolls
To bed and tiptoeing away.
Your growing father-daughter love’s a source
Of happiness to me.
I prayed today
In sorrow for a selfish rush
Of anger to protest some unexpected chore.
If I can’t give my time to helping you,
What use is it to me?
I sleep today
Content to know the house is clean,
Your meals prepared, your clothing washed and pressed.
My weariness of body finds its sweet reward
In peace of mind and rest.
Illustrated by April Perry