Mother Love

Of all the love that has been known
Since time and earth began,
Of all the faith that has been shown
Since God created man,
Of all the noble, stirring deeds
That grace the written page,
A mother's love and faith and hope
Stand out through every age.

Her deeds have moved a careless world
To pity and to tears;
Her love has kindled faith and trust
Through all the changing years;
Her selflessness and sacrifice,
Her faith through praise or blame
Have enshrined her in the hearts of all
And glorified her name.

For though a world may frown or sneer
And failure mark the hours,
Her reaching love encircles us,
A rosary of flowers;
A shining chain so sweet with blooms
Of prayer and love and trust,
It touched with a heavenly light
Our weak and mortal dust.

~ Katherine Edelman