I’m Not a Mother…But

Around 2008-2009

• I am blessed to have such a close relationship with my niece she’s closer to me than her Mother, a story in itself but not one that’s mine to tell.

I’m not a Mother but…

I’ve changed dirty diapers

And comforted sick cries

I measured out medicines

And prayed for her pain

To subside.

I’ve helped

With homework

And read a thousand

Story books

Listened to her

Music

Even when

It made

My head hurt.

I’m not a Mother..But

I’ve dried tears over

Life’s hurt and heartbreaks

Remind her of her strength

Told her I love her

And I’m proud

Of her

As we closed

Each conversation

Something I do

To this day

Because it’s true.

I’ve encouraged her

Along the way

Reminding her

Of the beauty

That shines

Through

Something

I know

She now

Shows

Her daughter

Too.

(C) Michelle R Kidwell

February.27.2022