ONLY THE BODY AGES

ONLY THE BODY AGES

Looking back in memory

I see the changing years,

I look into your eyes

And I can sense your fears.

I see you as a young girl,

With diamonds in your eyes,

The path which lay before you

Holding open, clear blue skies.

I see you as a bride

With roses in your cheeks.

Happy hours with love for you,

Drifting into weeks.

Weeks turning into years,

With children at your knee.

Raising happy children ~

You were as happy as could be.

I hear your rippling laughter

And see the tears you shed,

You were only happy when

They were tucked into their bed.

Soon you stopped and looked

And saw the years had flown,

They were now returning

With children of their own.

You tire more easily its true

And seem to need more rest

I see how you feel the silence

Of your empty nest.

You were left to walk alone

Yet love still shone from you.

You encouraged us all

To do things we needed to.

Your body now is aging,

But not your heart and mind

Always you have been a Mother

Gentle, sweet and kind.

I see you now your eyes still bright

Your heart still full of love,

For all you are and gave to me

I thank the Heavens above.

Only the body withers

Not the heart or care.

You had so much to give

And always you would share.

I see you as a Mother

With dignity and grace,

With love’s pure light shining

From your lovely face.

© Linda J. Vaughan

amended 2011