Like Mother, Like Son

A poem by Margaret Johnston Grafflin

do you know that your soul is of my soul such a part,

That you seem to be fibre and core of my heart?

None other can pain me as you, dear, can do,

None other can please me or praise me as you.

Remember the world will be quick with its blame

If shadow or stain ever darken your name.

"Like Mother, like son" is a saying so true

The world will judge largely the "Mother" by you.

Be this then your task, if task it shall be,

To force the proud world to do homage to me.

Be sure it will say, when its verdict you've won,

"She reaped as she sowed. Lo! this is her son."