Mommy's Tears

I cried today because I felt so helpless
I cried today because I felt so far
If I could soothe the pain of living,
I would...but you needed to be where you are.

I cried today because you were suffering
Hurting--and was I to blame?
I cried when you cried and the whole world wept
It hurt more when you called my name.

I cried today because I felt a weakness
The strength I thought I knew was gone
And instead, what I really was--a mother--
Was what I needed to be all along.

--19 October, 2010. 8 pm