The Girl I Used to Be

The following poem brought tears to my eyes as I read it on another blog... I'm so thankful for the high calling of motherhood!

She came tonight as I sat alone,
 the girl I used to be…
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
 and questioned reproachfully:
Have you forgotten the many plans
 and hopes that I had for you?
The career, the splendid fame,
 and all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height
 with all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
 and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad
 for I wanted her pleased with me...
This slender girl from the shadowy past,
 the girl that I used to be.
So gently rising, I took her hand
 and guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping my babies lay,
 innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems
 and precious they are to me;
That silken robe is my motherhood
 of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love,
 and the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls
 for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
 she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw that the woman that I am now,
 pleased the girl I used to be.

~ Author Unknown