Once you’re a mother
You’re a mother for the rest of your life.
Motherhood has a whole new dimension
That’s different from being a wife.

Once you’re a mother
You not only feed, wash and groom
You plan on braces and music lessons
And close the door in despair on that room.

Once you’re a mother
You kiss every boo-boo and apple-fresh cheek
Ache with their heartbreaks, rejoice when they win
And keep rearranging your plans for your week.

Once you’re a mother
You’re the pivoting hub for each joyous wedding,
The confessor for secrets too terrible to tell,
And a constant supplier of crockery and bedding.

Once you’re a mother
You cherish each letter or call or report.
When distance prevents you from reading their eyes
You read between lines and bear their retort

Because once you’re a mother
You’re a mother for the rest of your life.

-Ethel L. Ingalls