Reflection on Mother

As I walked through the door of the grocery store,
She was standing right there in the glass.
She seemed so surprised to be still recognized,
For many long years had passed.

As shoppers rushed by, my mother and I
Shared a moment both bitter and sweet.
I could just barely hear, "You look tired, dear.
Are you sure that you get enough sleep?

"Dear, lift up your chin.  Pull your abdomen in.
Take this bit of advice from your mother!"
As I walked away, I could still hear her say,
"Just place one foot in front of the other."

To tell you the truth, back in my youth,
I considered her counsel old-fashioned.
Though doubtless outdated, I wistfully waited
To grow up and pursue my own passions.

I found freedom and fun when I turned twenty-one,
But it seemed all my schemes ran awry.
Despite all I had done, Mom's wisdom had won,
And I had to eat humble pie.

Those years are behind me, yet mirrors remind me
Of lessons I learned as a girl.
Her words followed me, and her guidance allowed me To wend my way in the world.

She's always so near, right there in the mirror.
We looked a lot like each other.
To my utter dismay, I discovered that day
I'd completely morphed into my mother!