ODE TO MY MOTHER ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

ODE TO MY MOTHER FOR HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY

                                                                                  Written Dec 26 1985

Who gave me birth and early succor?
Who picked me up and kissed the bruises?
Who read to me and heard my prayers?
Who cooked and baked to make holidays special?
Who darned my socks and sewed my dresses?
Who listened to reading and helped with ciphers?
Who came to school and heard my "pieces"?
Who baked pink cakes for every birthday"
Who made doll clothes and mended playthings?
Who dished out discipline and settled quarrels?
Who baked bread and packed my lunches?
Who instilled morals and church attendance?
Who taught me housekeeping and also cooking?
Who wiped my tears and soothed my heartaches?
Who encouraged study and stressed education?
Who suffered with me through wartime crises?
Who welcomed Bill and blessed our marriage?
Who hugged our kids and truly loved them?
Who mourned with us when we lost our baby?
Who wrote often to keep us current?
Who cooked and canned for our farm vacations?
Who loves me still and forgives impatience?
Whom do I love and care for always?

MY MOTHER!