Today's Stichomancy for Joel Grey

The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Just Folks by Edgar A. Guest:

A pistol shot outside would not Drive slumber from her eyes-- But she is always on the spot The moment baby cries.

The thunder crash she would not hear, Nor shouting in the street; A barking dog, however near, Of sleep can never cheat Dear mother, but I've noticed this To my profound surprise: That always wide-awake she is

Just Folks