MOTHER... PACING

How many evenings yesteryear did
I stretch deep into the night?
Burning off the energy which,
In those days, seemed without bounds;
Bending rules with laughter until
Daybreak nearly caught me in the act
Of cheating tender sleep.
I tread on stony ground.

Time was nothing way back then,
And night was merely lightless day.
My candlewicks were double-edged
As Mother paced the night away.
No lectures or conjecture when
My footsteps tiptoed past her door.
Three simple words, "Are you alright?"
No need to question any more.

But I could see the telltale signs,
The lines of worry hid from sight,
The deep concern she tried to mask;
Mother... Pacing through the night.

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