Motherhood

Many sweet praises have been sung to your
angelic smiles,
cherub cheeks,
and prattling laughter -
But your screams, your anger, your bites,
pinches,
scratches,
and howls -
You reserve for me - and when I burst
into tears...
You laugh, unintentionally cruel.
I am told how lucky I am
to be with you all the time,
to see each moment you grow -
But in truth, I am not sure I will
miss these days, and secretly I wait
for teenage rebellion and broken curfews,
Because these are problems I still remember
And I can understand.