THE LAMP

So young, so much life to live -- a naïve girl of sixteen
I glance in the mirror and wonder how she ever made it this far in life
Dreams , oh dreams as many a young girl holds
Confident and believing, she would be triumphant
Born with the strength in nature of the forefathers, she has fought

Where there was nothing-it was transformed to something - made due
Always looking at trials as challenges, rather than downfalls
Oh yes - the fine fight was fought, in the armour of her youth
Son on one arm - hammer in the left hand -- firm
There was no stopping, nor swaying of beliefs,
Except for miserable old Father-time, ratta tatting at the door

Days found her busily boxing, carrying, wrapping and gathering,
In an old warehouse, six days a week
Sweat from the brow,@eighty-five cents an hour
Starving daily, fighting to provide for love's child
She must provide, no matter what the costs

Two children, lending support to each other
Building snow forts, jumping in pools--taking long walks downtown
Lonely Christmases, Easters, Thanksgivings,
No comfort, no guidance __ just will, want and need
Fighting back the tears, so a son would not see the sadness
When, not a toy awaited, under a tiny, hand made-decorated tree
Another reason to hate the "season to be merry"
And all that it didn't stand for, except loneliness and sorrow
"Deck the halls" and wear the crown of credence for mankind
Some day life would be alright, it would be fair to the hardy

Was it fair, as I stare through these eyes of time
My motherly job, is long over and so this life is almost done
There is nothing golden in these creaking moments of empty
Ahh, put it to a colour and I would say it feels more blue - azure, gray
Put notes of songs and sing me choirs of muted tones of minors
Cradle this woman, in angel's wings of white, soft clouds of comfort
Purify my soured tears to peace of doves, with a fig leaf of hope
Refresh me, wash me clean __ purify me

Standing strong, in the final fight
Light shines from promising eyes, to pass on the torch
I dedicate to you my son, all my will and strength of nature
Don't let stormy seas drag you down into the craggy rocks of life
See the lighthouse in the distance, and know it's me
My lamp will not fail you, in times of need
Remain proud __ you are my world
Hold the light high and march on

© Charlotte G Mair 05/05/2009