THE READING MOTHER
BY STRICKLAND GILLILAND


I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ TO ME
SAGAS OF PIRATES WHO SCOURED THE SEA,
CUTLASSES CLENCHED IN THEIR YELLOW 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 CELERT 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;
CASKETS OF JEWELS AND COFFERS OF GOLD.
RICHER THAN I YOU CAN NEVER BE --
I HAD A MOTHER WHO READ TO ME.