while you're ahead…

Motherhood (by Medora C Addison)

Playing alone by the ocean’s edge,
eager and unafraid,
you are the child I used to be,
playing the games I played.

Now I have only a cowards’ heart,
finding you all too dear,
learning at last that love shall teach
the fearless how to fear.

You are so little against the sky,
laughing and undismayed –
oh little son by the ocean’s edge,
I am afraid, afraid!