Happy Mother’s Day—to the soul I see, In the mirror staring back at me. I was there through the silent cries, Through every fall, through every rise. When fever burned and nights were cold, No gentle hands, no arms to hold— It was me who wiped my tears, Who battled doubts and faced my fears. I taught myself how love should feel, How wounds take time and time to heal. I gave the hugs I never got, I filled the void with all I sought. No lullabies or bedtime prayers, No one to braid or fix my hair. Still I stood, with strength and grace, A mother’s love in my own embrace. I lectured myself when things went wrong, I whispered truths, I made me strong. I showed me light when days were dim, I taught myself how still to swim. So here’s to me, the warrior, the guide, The one who’s always by my side. No title earned from someone’s womb— But from the love I made bloom. Happy Mother’s Day—to the girl who stayed, Who mothered herself and never swayed. Who’s still alive, who still believes— In self-made love that never leaves.