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.