Mother’s Watch

She never closed her eyes in sleep till we were safe in bed,
And on party nights 'till we came home she often sat and read.
We little thought about it then as we enjoyed each fun filled day,
Just how much Mama worried while we children were away
And sometimes when we'd stay out late till one, or two or three,
It always seemed that mama heard the turning of the key
And when we'd step inside, she'd call and we'd reply
But we were too young back then to know the reason why.
'Till the last one came home at night she always kept a light,
For mama couldn't sleep until she'd kissed us ALL goodnight.
And once she said, "When you've all grown to women and to men,
Perhaps I'll sleep the whole night through, it might be different then".
And so it seemed both night and day we knew a mothers care,
For every night when we came home we found her waiting there.
But then there came the night when were called to gather 'round her bed.
"The children are all with you now", the kindly doctor said.
And in her eyes gleamed that old time tender light,
That told us that she'd been waiting, just to be sure we were alright.
And she smiled that old familiar smile and prayed for God to keep,
Her children safe throught the years, and then mama...then mama went to sleep.
Speech:
Rest assured as you kneel beside your bed in prayer tonight that your mother is looking
down upon you from on high, and from her soul-filled eyes one glistening tear will fall
onto the pedals of your flower, strengthening you anew in your efforts to be worthy of
her hopes and aspirations for you.