A Mother

Unfortunate children who miss the tender kiss-
the soothing hug,
the uplifting smile;
whose tears drop untouched,
whose dreams break unmended,
whose hearts ache unattended.

The children who wish in dreams-
on whispy stars,
in whispered prayers
for a figure of love-
of strength,
of hope;
find instead empty words,
invisible shadows,
lost dreams.

But I, no less fortunate than another, 
selfishly dreamt upon 
these stars, 
these prayers;
shut tight my eyes
only to find
those children's dreams,
their greatest wishes,
staring into my heart,
through the smile of my mother.