Mother's Day Poem

I perch near my light 
infused window, 
soak up afternoon warmth, 
and pretend not to worry.

They know where to find me --
bouncing back like yo-yos
to seek tear-filled sympathy,
to share triumphs with a kiss.

No more babies to
cradle in this little nest;
the strings have
lengthened.

Fretting over heartbeats,
first breaths, unsteady steps,
wobbly friendships,
chronic self-doubt...
each fragile phase interwoven
with uneasiness and relief.

I sit at my perch and pretend --
it is now as habitual as breathing.