Today's Beautiful Gem: `All My Children' by M. Udayakala.

"I am a mother and like many other mothers,
I remember all my children-- unborn, dead and living;
I love          all my children-- unborn, dead and living.
I remember the times of joy when they were conceived;
I remember the times of joy when they were kicking in my womb;
I remember the times of joy when their father placed his ears on my stomach
  and heard their kicks and heartbeats;
I remember the times of joy when they were born;
I remember the times of joy when they suckled my breasts;
I remember the times of joy when they smiled and uttered the word, amma.
Never in my life did I wish for pain with such eagerness!
Never in my life did pain become such a pleasure
  when I saw their bloody faces!
I remember all my children-- unborn, dead and living;
I love          all my children-- unborn, dead and living.
I remember those who could not make it leaving behind pools of pitiful blood!
I remember those who could make it but left us in pools of pitiful tears!
I haven't forgotten them, I still love them and I still think of them;
I haven't forgotten them, I still wonder how they might look to-day!
I remember all my children-- unborn, dead and living;
I love          all my children-- unborn, dead and living.
I gave them part of my body, part of my blood, part of myself;
I am a creator, I am Brahma! Who said Brahma is male?
I washed them, fed them, taught them and loved them;
I sat by their side when they were sick and prayed and prayed;
I might have made many mistakes, but they were made out of ignorance.
Now I am old and I often think of my mother who left me when I was only two;
My children-- some are dead even when I am alive,
A state, no mother ever wishes even her enemies;
And some are here near me and some are far far away in distant lands;
But
I remember all my children-- unborn, dead and living;
I love          all my children-- unborn, dead and living."

Om s'aantih: Peace! - J. K. Mohana Rao

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