An Addict by Kari Leggett

"Yeah so what?"
"I love you anyway!"
My mother coming to terms
that she can only have just pieces of me...
She takes it.
Picks me up, brushes off the dirt,
Wraps the wounds, kisses the pain.

"She's my daughter!"
I've heard her cry before
Searching for an answer.
God asks "Would you want another
To take her place?"
She replies, "No, I want her!"

My throat sinks into my chest
Finally someone won't give me away.

God questions "Do you want her different
or any other way?"

Her voice softens
"No Lord I'll take her
As she is.
Please give her the power to live
How You want her to live."

God says, "I love all, even the addicts,
Those that hurt inside the most
The tears and prayers
Won't be forgotten."

She stands by my side
Yet actually proud of me
She sees the wonderful that
No one else takes time to see.

She thinks I am beautiful,
She thinks I am smart.
Thinks that one day I'll overcome and save.
Knows too that I am brave,
And she is my mother.
I myself wouldn't ask for another.

Grandmother by Kari Leggett

She is the one who washes their face
"Brush your teeth", she shouts
"Clean off your plates!"
"Did you wash your hands?"
"My goodness where have you been?"
"Don't forget your vitamin!"

Brings them to church
Throw in homework, it's a cinch.
Tops it off by tucking them in
Love gets stronger, never lessens
Enjoys their stories made up in the car.
Finds herself captive in a youth's brain
Very seldom their constant chatter drives her insane.

Can't wait to see the excitment on their face
Watch now, they're off on a new adventure.
No she didn't give birth to these guys
But loves them the same
If you ask her, she would say,
for this amazing love God is to blame.

"I am not their mother but their's I adore,
I've seen those beautiful eyes before."
"They will grow up fast,
I am so pleased to take on the task."
"I know that everything now
Will soon be in the past."