She trod the path of duty No whimper no protest escaped her sealed lips patiently she removed the thorns while sharp-ridged stones callused her compliant feet she knew the soul of her soul walked a half step behind arms ready to hold and support his love an emollient healing life's bruises as one they walked the miles of twenty odd years...
And then his fragile heart gave way
Terrified, scarred, she stumbled on For her children, for promises to be kept Unshed tears bled into her heart An ailing, protesting body flared In ulcers and immobilizing arthritis Defenseless against even flies With indomitable will power She remained a paragon of courage The embodiment of love and sufferance
Ma, no award, no medal, no praises Accompanied you on your final journey None could recompense your worth You are the laurel cherished with pride By those whose lives you touched.
