Here at the jagged edge of the nation I stand;

sand shifting beneath, sun swirling overhead.

Salty lipped and still,

I stand,

like a lighthouse in my small family’s harbor.

Each boy-child sails out at dawn

farther and farther into the horizon,

bobbing, fishing, exploring the vast beyond,

climbing high up on the mast

seeking his own safe harbor.

Soon he will no longer need to return

to this familiar shore,

to anchor here at my barefeet

as dusk draws the shades on the day.

But,

at least for now,

return they do,

barreling home

on the crest of each new wave

sights set on my beaming gaze.

Yes, the light is on,

and I am here,

standing watch

on the jagged edge

of motherhood.

—

Misty, mother of three boys, wife of 15 years,  and ever-learning Catholic, blogs at mistysmornings.blogspot.com .