A Mother's Heart

As I was crossing the bridge today
I met a young traveler on his way.
Heavy bearded and heavier load,
Was he hastening to a new abode?

Where was he going with weighty pack?
When he gets there, will he look back
And think of the places he has been;
Wishing he could return again?

His hair was long and a shade of red
That reminded me of my own redhead,
The boy of not so long ago,
Who didn't stray 'til I let him go.

For a man must go on a man's own way,
Though a mother's heart would have him stay.
I watched for the boy on my return,
With a mother's eye and a mother's yearn.

If I spy that stranger once again,
I'll think of another mother's pain
And ask if I might have her address
To write that he's fine, ease her distress.

For a man must go on a man's own way;
But a mother's heart would have him stay.

By: Joyce 6/28/04