Ode to Moms

Oh Mom!

The tongue you bequeathed me

 – inadequate--  

for your praise!

Shall I thank thee for your sacrifice?

That called for single motherhood

for eight hard years that sufficed

Shall I thank thee for your gifts?

That gave me smarts

to endear teachers' hearts

and the girl I married not to miff

Shall I thank thee for your kindness?

That put brother and I first

without showing sadness

Shall I thank thee for thy sweet demeanor?

That only grew angry

because I was meaner?

Shall I thank thee for putting others before thee?

Family, friends, strangers 

and all you see including me

Shall I thank thee for your encouraging words?

Praising our achievements

no matter how absurd

Shall I thank thee for food on the table and clothes on my back?

Before you ate

or took your own outfits

off the Goodwill rack?

Shall I thank thee for your rose-colored glasses?

In light of dark

near-broke

begging dashes

when He sent you aid

Shall I thank thee for your unlimited faith?

In God, the Pope

and Christian fate

I could go on and tell your stories

but tears would fall

because

there are so few great glories

Yet, yet, there are many

'cause we survived

 -- by your own and God's hands –

tender at times or hard

creating mutual destiny

So thank you Mom

I am that much more

a better man for it

Copyright 2015 Rodney Richards