You gave me life and safety,
Bundled me in future’s light;
Your sugared kisses brought a grin
When I was fussy in my night.

You let me hide and then uncovered
All gifts you knew I had.
You reminded me of all I can,
And none of them were bad.

You bathed me, fed me, sang to me;
You listened to my prayers.
You never once belittled me
As we rocked in Grandma’s chair. 

You brought cookies for my school friends;
Made hot chocolate just for fun;
You taught me how a hostess acts;
And said I had more power than the sun.

You showed me how to shave my legs. 
You bought my first brassiere.
And what it meant to be a woman
Living absent of all fear.

You smiled at my newborn dreams:
Supporting every want.
You’d say, live your life as you desire,
Or it will return to haunt.

Mother, you were always there,
And though you’re gone today, 
I remember conversations
And how you’d simply say:

“Life is the adventure
Nothing can go wrong;
For all mistakes are meant to be
They’ll bring wisdom to your song.
Associate yourself with love;
Swim the seas of joy.
And find a love that’s true in heart,
Whether, girl or boy.
Pay no attention to life’s hateful words,
They’ll only bring you down;
To levels far beneath you.
(For it is you, who don’s the crown: 
Of Loyalties which can erase 
Falsehoods and dishonesty, 
By mountebanks and grifters
And evils crawling out from ‘neath the scree.) 
You’re the light, in this world’s darkness,
Share it with everyone you touch;
Even when they might resist–
It may help them when it must.
You see, mortal hearts are different.
They can change life on a dime;
Sometimes, seen through salty tears
Sometimes, within a rhyme”

And there it is, my Mother Dear,
You’re all I’m thankful for:
Experiences you shared with me
Helped me open many doors.

Though now you fly with angels,
I still hold your hand on earth;
And I’ll love you through my lifetimes;
You’re my gift of mortal mirth.

Top photo: Bigstock