Mother I Love You
Mother, my hands have never wiped your sleep scarred eyes
Offered you the offering of blood, breast, and unshed tears
Temple of prayers found in you, sanctuary of troubled years
Hands crossless bleeding, caring for the child hope did despise
Emblem of virtue in self giving, strength's reservoir, my beauty,
Rest not in pearl of past glory, unflinching love to onerous duty
Integrity is the garment of the wise, none wears it like you
Love so lovely, discipline so comely, example of patience true
Operas had no song to sing like milk or your morning dew
Virtue no image as bright, or dedicated teacher kind like you
Emerald of unjewelled days, darling, sweet mother, I love you.
Years have left undiminished your living sterling and giving
Opal of the starless heart, I give the diamond of skies to you
Urging me to use for building bricks blocks set for stumbling.
II
Mother I wish you were here still
Offering me guideance and strength of will
Teaching me to negotiate the earth
Harbour of my weary vessel when I berth
Ego dry, empty of grace and vision to see
Rebuilding, reshaping virtue and character in me
Instructor of the heart, the hands and the head
Lady of women apart, I cry still in my bed
Only true love, your sting and rebuke repairing
Virtue in me. Mother, I love you still, darling
Eternal memories comfort me when I'm in dread.
Yearn my heart to hear sing through the night
Onward through rain or cloud drenched sunlight
Under no circumstance surrender, mother, you said.
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