This Heart
What is this heart that you have
Hidden behind the pleasures of intimacy
Giving the very substance of your body
Bearing the sensation of this joyful pain

What is this heart that you have
That functions daily for that
Which comes too early
To survive alone in the world
Which prepares a repast
In its own body
For that which cannot feed itself

What is this heart that you have
That teaches all
That is needed to live
That shares love unrequited
That shares love unconditional
So that which knows not love
Learns to be loved without earning it
And shares love dependent
So that which knows not love
Knows how to make love grow

What is this heart that you have
That reveals the truth
That all need caring
That all are significant

That life is hugely meaningful
Within which
Pain and sorrow
Pleasure and happiness
Disenchantment and contentment
Are but small parts
In the great whole
Of connected existence

What is this heart that you have
That puts you in that supportive place
When others who do
What you have done
Need that helping hand
Need that holding arm
You are there
Guiding love
From one generation
To another

What is this heart that you have
It is the heart of the Mother.