I’d Rather

I’d rather be a mother

Than anyone on earth

Bringing up a child or two

Of pretentious birth

I’d rather nurse a rosy babe

With warm lips on my breast

Than wear a queen’s medallion

Above a heart less blest

I’d rather tuck a little child

All safe and sound in bed

Than twine a chain of diamonds

About my foolish head.

I’d rather wash a smudgy face

With round, bright baby eyes

Than paint the pageantry of fame,

Or walk among the wise

Meredith Gray