The Circle of Love

I nursed my babies, watched them
Fall asleep, their hands cupping
My breast, face flushed, molded
Against me as we drowsed in a
Tangle of sheets and pillows.
I listened to them breathe
And whispered I love you

Years later I lay with my mother
Arms around her frail body, her
Hands cold as she drowsed from
The morphine, taking her last
Rattling breaths.  I leaned close
Telling her it was okay to go
And whispering I love you

Later still with my daughter,
Lights low during an concert encore,
All alone in a sea of thousands
Her arms around my neck,
Cheek to cheek, she sang
I still love you more than anything...