Poetry Friday: Reading Moms

I have a few memories of my mother reading to me, and she awlays made sure I had books to read myself. I have wonderful memories of reading to my own children as they grew up. Now I love reading to my sweet grandbabies. I'm celebrating this poetry Friday, with Mother's Day sneaking up early, with Strickland Gillilan's tribute to his reading mother.

There's more Poetry Friday at The Family Bookshelf.

The Reading Mother

by Strickland Gillilan

I had a mother who read to me

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,

"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me lays

Of ancient and gallant and golden days;

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,

Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales

Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust till his tragic death,

Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings--

Stories that stir with an upward touch,

Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be--

I had a Mother who read to me.