I Never Was a Mother

I Never Was a Mother

I never was a mother,
With children of my own,
But small creatures needing loving hands
Found their way into my home.

My brother's cat, the neighbor's dog,
An AIDS victim's last request,
To each and every one of them,
I promised to do my best.

Sad eyes behind the shelter bars,
A beloved pet was lost.
I vowed that I must get him out,
no matter what the cost.

This type of work fills my heart
As each I get to know.
They stay to rest, grow healthy, strong,
Then I must let them go.

To new homes and new lives,
With my prayer for love-filled years.
I watch my charges leave one day
As I hold back my tears.

Some One assigns us each a part
To play in life's great game.
No, I never was a mother
But the role was near the same.

May not be reproduced without permission of the author.

This poem was first published in the Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue newsletter.