The Other Mother

Once there were two women
who never knew each other.

One you do not remember,
the other you call Mother

Two different lives shaped to
make yours one

One became your guiding star
the other became your sun

The first gave you life
the second taught you to
live in it

The first gave you a need for love,
the second was there to give it

One gave you a nationality,
the other gave you a name

One gave you the seed of talent,
the other gave you an aim

One gave you emotions,
the other calmed your fears

One saw your first sweet smile
the other dried your tears

One gave you up - it was all that
she could do

The other prayed for a child
and God led her straight to you

Now you ask me through your tears;
heredity or environment - which are you
the product of?

Neither My Darling,
just two different kinds
of Love

© 1985 Colleen L. (nee Pridemore) Bohlin
printed anonymously in the book, "Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul"