I marvel. How did she learn?
When did she become?
Still so beautiful, so seemingly young. Yet she knows.
She knows to whisper encouragement and praise
After the first talk or a reverent spell.
She knows when to be firm and when to embrace.
She teaches, loves, corrects.
She aids with homework, plans play dates and parties,
Helps in the classroom, and rescues others so like her.
She knows how to dry tears, calm fears, heal hurts.
She knows what each one needs, how to quiet one in church,
Build castles with another in the sand, to dance and play uninhibited.
She knows how to make home a safe haven of peace,
How to nourish her family, body and soul.
She knows when to cuddle, read, sing, and rock.
She knows the thrill of small arms holding tight.
She knows to seek the Spirit, and counts not the cost
Of nights without sleep and days full of giving.
How did she transform? Still the vision of youthful loveliness, yet now more.
She knows.
She knows the greatest joy through her eternal mission.
Behind her eyes, the wisdom; in her smile, the empathy.
Within her heart, the depth.
How did she learn? From her own mother.
Love without end.
When did she become? She’s always been.
A divinity within.
-Hilarie Hicks Robison, 2007