The Reading Mother
I had a Mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellowed 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;
Chests of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I, you can never be --
For I had a Mother who read to me.
~ Strickland Gillian
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellowed 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;
Chests of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I, you can never be --
For I had a Mother who read to me.
~ Strickland Gillian
Photo by Vavoom Photography
I think it is just wonderful that you can google an author's name and the poem "The Reading Mother" appears on your website. I lived in Wyoming County New York before relocating to Florida with my wife over a decade ago. Wyoming County has an organization called Project Read which from its founding in 1978 has encouraged thousands of parents to read to their children. We read to our young children practically every day. My daughter asked me what they could do to be sure their kids would be ready for school. I said to her: Read to your children every day. They have a nitely routine that included reading several stories just before bedtime. This poem " The Reading Mother" was often quoted by the founder of Project Read. Thanks for including it on your webpage. David M. Lane, Winter Haven FL 33881 dmlane42@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a great poem?! David, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. "Parents, read to your children every day." Priceless.
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