Happy Mother’s Day to everyone in America.

It is not Mother's Day here in England, we celebrate it earlier in the year.  I nearly didn't join in with today's challenge but I thought of this sonnet when looking at Dodge's Prompt, so here it is.
To explain a bit, my mother was trying to raise four kids in a three bedroomed house on very small income while also coping with an emotionally-abusive husband and an ailing, emotionally-abusive mother of her own who lived with us. Gran and Dad hated each other and both resented the time Mum spent with us kids.  At the same time, she was gradually losing her sight.

Mum.

When I was just a baby in your arms

you were the one who answered all my tears,

the source of all my joy, the one whose charms

would soothe away my hurts and all my fears.

In early childhood I aimed to please,

to gain the swift reward of your quick smile,

I saw each frown you wore with great unease

and sought to prove the love you gave worthwhile.

I was too young to see the pressures which

so filled your life there was no time for you

to spend some moments enjoying the rich

small pleasures that then were your due.

I’m glad we took the time in adulthood

to find this friendship we shall share for good.