We enter this world naked and scared

from a mother who just laid everything to bare

From her own body she grew you for 40 weeks

And she’s never seen anything sweeter than those cheeks

First those cheeks are covered in vernix goo

So you’re wiped down and swaddled like a kangaroo

Your mouth searching for your first taste of life

Mothers milk comes easy for you, but for her it takes strife

For the first few years you are a sponge, absorbing all

Your cheeks are still round and messy and you’re still enthralled

With the patience, intelligence and grace your mother shares

Always there to wipe your cheeks - and eyes - when you scare

From a toddler your morph into a kid

The cheeks hint at rosiness still, though they’re starting to rid

Of that youthful innocent and childlike wonder

You’re learning independence, to both the heartbreak and pride of your mother

Puberty has kicked in full blast

Those cheeks have grown and matured so fast

Playing sports, listening to music, developing your own interests 

Your mother is amazed at you, but sometimes wonders where that child went 

Officially entering adulthood on your own

Your mother no longer has to wipe your cheeks now that you’re grown

But she stills worries for you, cheers you on, makes your favorite meal

Sometimes she can’t believe the time that has passed is real

The wailing cries of your first newborn babe

And you recognize your own cheeks upon her face

Your mom is in the waiting room impatiently waiting to behold 

This new generation in your family fold

A phone call strikes you in the middle of the night

Your stomach drops, and you experience fright

The doctors tell you to get to the hospital immediately

Your mother had a stroke and as hard as it is for you to see

She needs you to hold her close

Murmur “I love yous” with a runny nose

Crying as you say goodbye while eternal life she will seek

At least one last time, you were able to caress her sallow cheeks