Oh new mother, young professional,
long hours, days, and years of studies rewarded.
Oh young, hardworking executive
who generously contributes to the household budget;
new mortgage, new car, college loans, hospital bills,
daycare, credit cards, and more.
Oh dear mother, newly minted young mother,
filled with love and remorse,
shrouded in sadness, imbued with anger
when each morning you scoop up your child,
oh precious bundle, and deliver her to strangers’ care.
Oh vibrant mother, professional woman, so well prepared,
yet so unprepared as absent mother.
Every morning the floodgates of guilt open and
you drown in self-reproach and doubt,
only to have that burden lifted every evening
when your smiling little one is in your arms again.
Oh young mother, ambitious executive,
learning how to balance life,
trying hard to rid yourself of feelings of
misdoing and selfishness;
a difficult task when in the presence of
innocent tears.
Dear devoted mother, don’t let remorse assail you,
be kind to yourself,
your child will thrive,
your love will suffice,
your love will transcend.
© Mildred Santiago
