Other Mothers

Blessed are the mothers
   of dogs and cats and goldfish
   who feed and protect
    ferrets and horses and strays in the alley

Blessed are the mothers
    church ladies worrying about your health
    co-workers listening patiently
    waitresses who smile and call you "sweetie"

Blessed are the mothers
    the aunts who tell you the blunt truth
    the grannies who do their best
    when no one else will try

Blessed are the mothers
    the sisters who grow up faster
    who tolerate tag-along sisters and
    cook dinner before mom comes home

Blessed are the mothers
    and the fathers who do it all
                alone
    mending toys and shirts and heartbreaks

Blessed are the mothers
    whose arms are now empty
    or were filled only briefly
    or only with a memory

Blessed are the mothers
    who make room for
    another mother's children
    and show them how it could be

Blessed are the mothers