TWO MOTHERS We had two mothers – two mothers we claim Two different people, yet with the same name. Two separate women, two different desires But we loved them both because they were ours. The first was the mum who carried us here Gave birth and nurtured and launched our career. She was the one whose features we bear Complete with the facial expressions we wear. She gave us her love, which follows us yet Along with examples in life that she set. As we got older, she younger grew And we’d laugh just as mothers and children do. But then came the time that her mind clouded so And we sensed that the mother we knew would soon go. So quickly she changed and became another - A stranger who dressed in the clothes of our mother. Oh, she looked the same – at least at arm’s length But she was the child and we were her strength. We’d come full circle, without that much fuss Our Mother the First, the Second, and us. And if our own children should come to a day When a new Mum comes and the old goes away, We’d ask of them nothing that we didn’t do – Love both of your Mothers – as both have loved you.