You,

Bold mothers of roaming daughters,

Who signed that oath, who took that on,

To womb these warriors,

Who go so often, who stay away so long.

You,

Brave guardians who grant them leave,

With a nod and a nudge from your hardy hearts,

And let them run free,

And wander so far.

You,

Goddesses,

Creators of heroines!

Who’s worry will never quench your pride,

Whose heartache will never hail them home.

Their journeys are sacred, their trail required.

You,

Wise women,

Who hold that coal,

Who bear the burden of your daughters’ roam.

How you must miss them…

…how we miss you.

Thank you, bold mothers.