My First Born

She was my first-born,
The first length of my rope.
In giving birth it brought to me,
Fulfillment to my hope.

She preceded those to come,
And prepared a place.
She would be a pattern to them,
Her actions...they would trace.

She was to them a teacher,
To lead them ever along.
There would be no imitation,
Each one would be so strong.

She took the responsibility,
And bore up her name.
She lived to bestow honor,
And never brought them shame.

God sent her forth,
With choice qualities to adorn.
I to be her mother,
And she...was my first-born.


E.P. 1908 - 1989