A Mother’s Prayer

You brightened my life when you entered my world My child, my treasure, my glittering pearl. I held you and rocked you, safe in my arms Dreaming I’d keep you safe from all harm.

I watched you and tended your needs day and night Never letting you out of my sight, You grew and you played, alive and carefree Embracing each miracle your eyes did see.

Laughing and loving, you crawled, stood, and walked Stringing words into sentences, you learned how to talk, My child forever, our bond is so close Yet somehow that chest of memoirs has been closed.

Now autumn leaves of crimson and gold Whisper a story as yet untold, It is time for you to leave my cocoon To learn to sing a different tune.

I see your eyes shining, mirroring high hopes Your first day of school, of climbing new slopes, Crisply dressed, you wait near the door I feel a prayer flutter- what lies in store? Will the teacher be gentle, nurturing and kind? Will she listen when something weighs on your mind? Will the teacher help you create and expand? Or will she be harsh and insist on demands?

Will your spirit be prodded to grow and climb higher? Will your heart swell and feel inspired? And the children, your peers, will they be warm and inviting? Will they use manners sadistic and biting? Will your smile grow wide in a circle of friends? Or will your heart shatter, its fabric rent?

A flower needs sunlight and warmth to grow Not winter winds to cast it down low, And you, my child, how will you act? Will you always speak with kindness and tact? Do you know that with each day’s gift comes a test And Hashem wants to see that you do your best?

Will you remember the lessons I taught you at home? The lessons I taught you as you have grown? Will you respect a teacher if you disagree? Obey if your heart calls out differently? Will you lend a hand to someone in need? No matter the person’s background or creed? When someone insults you, makes you feel down Will you judge them with favor and not rebound? Will you have the strength to leave the crowd If they want to do something that’s not allowed? If you do poorly on one of your tests Will you try again with courage and zest?

As you stand, my child, and wait near my door My heart is aflutter, what lies in store? I wish you a year filled with success A year where your every effort is blessed I wish you moments and days filled with light Brimming with joy and sunshine so bright.

May your mind learn Torah and follow its ways May your lips whisper prayers as you walk through your days May your hands reach out to others in need Helping them with warm words or by deed May you know your talents so you can achieve Spread your wings and fly - believe!

As part of my heart cries, “Please don’t go” The other rejoices to see you grow Remember I’m here for you as I was then To listen, to soothe again and again I will wait for you when you get home I am your mother- you are never alone.

May Hashem be your guide as you journey forward Wide-eyed with wonder, sailing new waters. My heart throbs in prayer with words unspoken Hoping that you’ll be molded, not broken. My lips graze your cheek on this, your first day I watch you leave and continue to pray. I will wait near the door, my precious child Feeling some tears, yet also a smile, Hoping and dreaming as you live and learn May Hashem bless you, for that my heart yearns.