A Mother's Prayer Poem by Tess Rockenstire

Dear God should I weep?
Or shall I whip her with a rod?
When my daughter is not listening to me.
It’s breaking me apart.

I did not falter in prayer in your altar,
To guide her steps, and make her a good kid.
I need your strength to carry out my duty.
As a mother, help me to be like you in love.

Let love be my way in correcting error,
Justice rather than breaking her heart.
Teach me to be a good mother,
Refrained me from lashing out.

How I wish you gave me an easier job.
But to give up, is to give up a child in the predator’s hand.
So teach me your way,
Like a father’s love.

I feel your heart Lord,
Love is tough,
Love is giving,
Even the last dropped of your blood.