Okay, I will be the first to say I know very little about poetry. Sure, we did it some in school, and I tried my hand at it. But it doesn't come naturally to me. I have a couple books of poetry and like to read them, but I'm not a real emotional type that really relates to poetry like more artistic people do.
That said, however, -- I was cleaning out an outbuilding on our property. Remember, I'm the sixth generation here, so we have boxes and boxes of stuff from prior generations just around everywhere.
In doing so, I ran across a poem apparently written by my great-grandmother (who I never got the privilege to meet). And I really like it. So thought I would share it here. I may not have all the punctuation or phrasing typed just right....
quote:Mothers
Today I’ve been a minister For at my knee there knelt Two weary little penitents Who discord’s sting had felt.
These penitents had come to pray, That they might be forgiven. I think the angels sweetly smiled, When that prayer rose to heaven.
*
Today I’ve been a doctor And oh! The need was great. Upon a tiny militant I had in haste to wait.
A bruised knee required my skill, And then, so very sweet! A dozen kisses must be given To make the cure complete
*
Today I’ve been a courtroom judge So very stern and wise A veritable Portia So great was my disguise
I listened sternly, carefully, And then I gave to each A tiny, round pink-frosted cake, A luscious sunkissed peach.
*
Today I’ve been a mother, Minister, doctor, judge A busy home-professional The pitied household drudge!
And yet as I review the day It always seems to me, Of all earths happy laborers The happiest are we! Mothers.
— by Nell Ellen (Taylor) Williams
Just wanted to share...
Farmgirl
[ September 27, 2004, 01:38 PM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Thanks, Derrell! I actually had to look up her "Portia" reference -- because I'm not a big fan of Shakespeare, so I didn't understand that part the first time I read it...
Farmgirl
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
That poem was very well written. I enjoyed it. it's amazing the things mothers do for us.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
So lovely! It should be on a card or a plaque written in a beautiful font. Or embroidered.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
That is so sweet. It made me cry a little. (Of course, I'm predisposed to crying right now, but still.)
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Lovely! Definately a treasure worth keeping. I wonder if you could frame it.
space opera
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Yes, that's what I plan to do -- get some of that really nice paper stock, print it out in a nice font on acid-free paper, and frame it to hang up in our home somewhere....
(I would do it in needlepoint, but I'm not handy with a needle).
Farmgirl
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
quote: I actually had to look up her "Portia" reference
What does it refer to?
Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :
Farmgirl, I think it is so cool that you have all that family history available in that one(multi-generation) dwelling. I envy your heritage hunting ease. The poem was wonderful.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Thanks punwit -- unfortunately, there was also a lot of stuff in that building ruined and unrecoverable, which made me very sad...
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