A mother's love determines how

william-adolphe-bouguereau-a-little-coaxing

A mother's love determines how

We love ourselves and others.

There is no sky we'll ever see

Not lit by that first love. 

Stripped of love, the universe

Would drive us mad with pain;

But we are born into a world

That greets our cries with joy. 

How much I owe you for the kiss

That told me who I was!

The greatest gift--a love of life--

Lay laughing in your eyes. 

Because of you my world still has

The soft grace of your smile;

And every wind of fortune bears

The scent of your caress.

(poemsforfree.com)