Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Reading Mother by Strickland Gillian ~

Last night my book club met and we discussed The Classic Hundred Poems edited by William Harmon. I have definitely reached a place where I love poetry. But to know more of my thoughts you'll have to wait for my review, which will be posted next week. In the meantime I thought I would share a special poem, not included in the aforementioned collection, but one that was recommended to me by another lady in the club:






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.

4 comments:

Carrie said...

Still not at a place where I enjoy poetry. Any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

This is an encouraging word for me today. My daughters were rattling off cool things Daddy does (go to Lowe's, do projects, coach basketball), and all they came up with for what Mommy does is read to them. Now I feel a little less lame. :-)

Alyce said...

That is such a nice poem. Thanks for sharing it!

Sarah M. said...

Acrossthepage - you're not lame at all! Some of my best memories growing up are from reading. And it's good for Daddy to know he's cool -- most dads miss out on being with the kids all day so they'd feel pretty lame if Mom got all the praise. :)

Carrie, watch for my review next week. :)