She rules with iron fist

She rules with iron fist
determination-
authority
but at night
when darkness cloaks the day
for a break
she ponders
and lets herself laugh-
be thankful of the life she has led-
alone
a mother hen to her own and others
she's watched them grow
and leave her nest-
insignificant places in the world
from afar, she's dreamed of them
she's seen hardship
life renewed fresh and beautiful-
this is her time until no more