Poet’s Corner: Everyday is Mother’s Day

She’s the woman wearing velveteen,
Like the Rabbit worn and loved.
The woman wearing lipstick,
To garnish kisses filled with love.
She’s the one that brought the cookies
When I was learning ABCs.
And the woman who kissed boo-boos,
When I fell out from the trees.

She’s the woman, whom my Dad would hold;
With love of shine and grit.
And the woman with a humor
That was fraught with endless wit.
She’s the woman who would join me,
When shopping for some shoes.
And the woman who reminded:
You’re still a winner when you lose. 

She’s the woman crying at the gate,
When she lost her Mama, true.
And the woman who could turn grey clouds
Back into skies of blue.
She’s the woman who would laugh with me,
When tears were full of joy
And her tears would fill my heart up:
She was my real McCoy

She’s the woman who would teach me
What true love’s meant to be;
And a woman who could navigate
Any angry sea:
She’s my Mama; she’s my hero;
And she’s always my best friend.
And though she’s now in heaven
I’ll love her to my end.

(So if you have your Mama
Still on earth with you:
Hug her, as if it’s her last day;
For your Mama loves you too.
Your Mama is your champion–
Whether boy or girl–
And everyday is Mother’s Day
For the love which she’s unfurled.)

Top photo: Robin’s mother, Phyllis Clark, 1926-2019