Because She Cared

Moms, of course, as everyone knows,
pinch your cheeks and tickle your toes.
They "ooh" and "aah", you're one perfect star,
when all the time, what you really are
is a Freshman off to the dorm!

Then comes the day when you're late for the train,
off for the office, pressure and strain,
when in your head you hear the refrain:
"Now, dear, get your boots on.  It's going to rain."
The voice of someone who cares.

Last night my daughter sat down with me,
upset, distraught, as I could see.
"I don't think I'm smart like all the rest.
I try.  I really do give it my best.
I do wish Grandma was here."

The road has been long.  Not always straight.
Age has been kind, but the hour is late.
All the grandchildren gather around my bed.
I pinch their cheeks and pat their sweet heads,
like someone else used to do.

I'm told there's a place we all go to meet.
I don't know where, or the name of that street,
but when I arrive and pass through the gate
she'll be waiting right there...it's never too late:
"Did you brush your teeth today?"

"Yes, Mom.  I did."