Following Mother’s Footsteps

by Alice Evans

I lay on the edge of sleep,

Thinking of some teenaged fantasy,

When my door softly opens.

I lay still

As a day-worn finger

Passes slowly over my cheek,

And it’s hard

To keep the prayer that is

bursting in my heart

Silent till she leaves.

I’m sure

I will never be able to tell her

all I feel,

But I hope one day

She will see a thank-you

Reflected in my hand

As I touch a precious child

In a midnight bedroom.