How was I to know?

As I lay in bed;

Shaking like a leaf -

That Mama; wrapping her arms around me,

Was trembling even more.

How was I to know?

As I bawled my eyes out;

Over the tiny bruise on my knee -

That Mama; wielding the dreaded spirit,

Was bleeding in her heart.

How was I to know?

As I left for my first day at school;

Wide eyed and terrified -

That Mama; waving enthusiastically,

Was scared to let me go.

How was I to know?

As I whined about my hunger;

Pestering and complaining -

That Mama; handing me the last cookie,

Was braving the pangs of starvation.

How was I to know?

As I regarded my new shoes;

With the disdain of a selfish brat -

That Mama; hiding her hurt with a smile,

Had worn the same pair for ages.

How was I to know?

As I got my way everytime;

With no regard for how she felt -

That Mama; blind to all my vices,

Couldn’t love me more if I was a princess.

How was I to know?

As I watched her go purposely about her chores;

With no sign of slowing down -

That Mama; the face of sheer bravery,

Was aching for a helping hand?

©Martha Arimi 2010