At Their Mother's Feet

One night last month I came to the realization that my children are growing up and spending more and more time away from home. Sometimes when I feel sentimental I get creative. It was my dream to submit this to a poetry contest or get it published, but for now I will settle with this...

At Their Mother’s Feet

A short eternity ago,

On a narrow Elm lined street,

Lived two little children,

Who played at their Mother's feet.

The home was quaint and simple,

With two bedrooms up above,

Empty of modern things,

But always filled with love.

While Mother cleaned the kitchen,

They would toddle on nearby,

Watching at the table,

When she rolled the crust for pie.

They'd lick the bowls and dishes,

When the baking was complete,

And resume their playing,

Back at their Mother's feet.

  

Watching Mother making dinner,

They run the creaky floors,

Laughing, giggling, falling,

Welcoming Daddy through the door.

When she set the little table,

She would pause and kiss each face,

Then gathering round together,

They bow their heads for grace.

Soon their family grew by one,

And they found it hard to stay,

In their quaint two bedroom home,

With just a tiny space to play.

So they left their Elm lined street,

For a house to call their own,

With extra room and a yard to play,

Seeds of curiosity were sown.

Mother kept a watchful eye,

As they ran and played outside,

Peddling fast on their bikes,

Once they learned to ride.

Now as the days go by,

Their world grows even more,

"I love you, Mom!" they shout,

As they run out the front door.

They come home rosy cheeked,

From an afternoon of play,

They gather round for dinner,

After being gone all day.

She tucks them in one by one,

And a tear escapes her eye,

Caressing their little faces,

She lets out a longing sigh.

Though there’s still a few,

That play at their Mother’s feet,

A longing for the early years,

Leaves her feeling incomplete.

They grow older day by day,

Their faces more mature,

Looking towards the future,

She begins to feel unsure.

Late at night she climbs the stairs,

Wishing to put life on repeat,

For all she has ever known,

Is toddlers at her feet.