Unconditional (For My Daughter)

Even though I knew
you ought not to be there
I did not begrudge you,
or regret, not you…
nor him, at first.

Nor did I feel guilt;
just a slow kind of impatience.

I even ignored all their anger
after I had scorned their entreaties
to abandon you.
I hugged you all the closer
to my heart;
relishing the thought
of how you would feel in my arms.

Not once did I consider
the hardships ahead,
even after the bickering,
the blaming began.
I nuzzled the thought of your
sweetness against my breast.

After your arrival
I knew I was right,
I pledged you unconditional love
you returned it
ten thousand fold.