The Army Mother

I looked at your face and found it so dear
My throat was so tight, your leaving was near.
A man you'd become with duties, I know.
It was time for release. I had to let go.

We sat in the kitchen across from the table
Conversing sincere, honest when able.
Your visit was closing, our time was at hand
You'd go per direction. I hated that land.

I studied your eyes a reflection of mine
The sparkling so sweet, the features so fine.
I held the time close, ingrained it must be.
A year's a long time for a mother, you see.

We're schooled to raise children, to just let them go
But this isn't easy a mother will know.
As I see you off you will hear that I'm fine
I've committed myself to forgo what is mine.

You'll nod as I stand my full measure of height
And project as you're leaving that everything's right.
Please know in your heart mothers are what they are
They will see you as little and wish on your star.

Forgive us the times that we do fall from graces
From stronger one's ranks as tears coat our faces.
It's a mother's place, son, her God given right
To sometimes be angry and put up a fight
And guard what we often perceive to be ours
Erecting what may be elaborate bars
To keep you besides us and just hold you near
Protect you and love you to calm every fear.

This merely is part of what mothers can be.
Just go ask around. It's not only me.
So just hug me tight as we say our goodbyes
For it's normal to see the tears well in my eyes.
For mothers are soft, though strong, they may be.
Pardon are foibles. We have paid our fee.
Mothers relinquish and do all we're told.
After all, it's not new. It is ancient and old.