May 8, 2011

Mother’s Day, our chance
To be happy we’re alive
And thank Mom for that

Hug Mom if she’s here
Remember her if she’s gone
She’d like that, you know

Moms never leave us,
Really, so stand up straight and
Wear clean underwear

Mother’s Day echoes
Greeks’ goddess celebrations
Of fecundity

More recent versions
Gave servants a day to see
Mom, visit hometowns

Others used the day
To advance righteous causes
And unite women

Julia Ward Howe’s
“Mother’s Day Proclamation”
Still speaks loud and clear

Howe called for mothers
To stand for peace, raise their voice
Against war’s carnage

And Anna Jarvis
Cemented the tradition
Of sending flowers

Mother’s Day, not just
A Hallmark moment — but don’t
Forget cards and gifts!

Mothers everywhere
Do their best to raise us right,
Send us on our way

It’s hard every day
What’s enough help? What’s too much?
Juggle and balance

Joy and exhaustion
Mingle when kids are little
Pride plays its part, too

Wipe noses, wipe butts
Sometimes you wouldn’t believe
The job description

Insanity can
Take center stage in teen years,
But adults emerge

At whatever stage,
It’s the most important work
We pause to salute

Mother’s Day, the day
To remember who gives life
The first act of love