I'd Rather - M. Gray

A recent post from my friend Gretchen reminded me of a poem shared in Childbirth Education classes that I adore:

I'd rather be a mother
Than anyone on earth
Bringing up a child or two
Of unpretentious 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.