Your Birth Was a Promise

Your birth was a promise
from me to you
that I would always have your back
no matter what

As a baby, you wailed
my breast, your only solace
we rocked our nights away
to the moon and back

You were a passionate child
full of angst and wonder
mine was the ear you breathed your secrets into
your tears hot on my shoulder

When you were treated unfairly
in your middle years
I was the mother lion
roaring and clawing your defense

When as a teen you ventured
out into life over your head
I came across the country
with always too much food

Now as a young adult
battling the ravages of mental illness
I battle you,
always representing your better self

I will be here for you
until I breathe my last
your champion
you mom

Your birth was a promise
from me to you
that I would always have your back
no matter what