She has drifted near the shoreline-
she has known the surge of sea -
she struggled against a mighty wind
to set her spirit free.
She has fed her many children
while she has had to go without -
she assures them that she loves them -
of this, there is no doubt.
She has held sorrowed hands in silence,
understanding the depths of pain -
she spoke to them encouraging words
when their skies were filled with rain.
Somehow, she keeps moving on,
no matter how hard it's been -
she keeps her warmth inside your heart
so you'll know you have a friend.
She's fierce when babes are threatened
and will always be around -
when she speaks, then you'll be sure
that there's an angel on the ground.
She tends to those who need her
with a strength that is inspired -
when she's called upon to serve,
you'll never know she's tired.
She sees the best in all of us
and refuses to give in -
she makes me proud to know her,
to consider her as kin.
She shows us how to live with heart -
she knows just what we need -
she teaches with such gentleness,
in every touch and deed.
She gets her name from this awesome bird,
for her strength lies in her wing.
She'll lift you up to heavens above,
where there's room for you to sing.
Adding your comment:
Ya ain't been listenin' then, Woman. I've been sayin' good stuff 'boutcha fer years. 
After all, I do have a list of poems "Inspired by CarolDesjarlais". "I ain't just whistlin' Dixie", ya know. 
