Poems (Coolidge)/A Mother's Love

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

A MOTHER'S LOVE

What time the tiny helpless frame
 Lies cradled in her fond embrace,
When all seems tame beside its claim,
 And beauty means one dimpled face;
Oh, then it is, her tender love
 Goes out that other love to meet;—
Than mother love, save that above,
 Where canst thou find a love more sweet?

Or else, when toddling footsteps slow,
 With two strong arms the longed-for goal,
Both to and fro uncertain go,
 While watched with all her anxious soul;
Oh! then one sees protecting love
 Go out that little love to meet;—
Save that above, is not her love
 The love of earthly loves most sweet?

Or when with wondering, opening eyes
 The book of life the child shall learn,
And he defies her counsel wise,
 Or helpful words, alas! doth spurn;
We know that still her faithful love
 Shall long that other love to meet;—
Than mother-love, save that above,
 One cannot find a love more sweet!

When tears repentant wiped away,
 The erring child begins anew,
'Tis then her kiss restores his bliss
 And leaden skies give place to blue;
Once more we see untiring love
 Go forth the other love to meet;
Save that above, there is no love
 Like mother-love, so steadfast, sweet.

At last, when childhood days have flown,
 And silvered hairs frame furrowed brow,
Still, love alone doth all condone,
 She doth with virtue him endow;
Ah, then, perchance, as quenchless love
 Still yearns that earthly love to meet,
The clouds dispel,—in light above,
 She wakes undying Love to greet.