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Sunday, March 7, 2010

THE READING MOTHER



I was over at Annie's place http://housethatjadebuilt.blogspot.com/ and she had the cutest pic of her daughter reading. I shared this beautiful poem with her telling her to stop by and I would post the poem plus a little bio about the author of this poem.

As young children I often read this poem to my kids. Four out of five of them are terrific readers. The youngest, our Nick, is more scientific and mathematically inclined! Who is that kid and who does he belong to! Laugh out Loud!

So here is this very lovely poem.

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 Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales.
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness lent with his final breath.
I had a Mother who read 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 then I you can never be -
I had a Mother who read to me.

Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954) was an American poet and humorist. He is most famous for the poem "The Reading Mother" which remains a common sentiment on Mother's Day. He is also recognized as the author of "Lines on the Antiquity of Microbes", said to be the shortest poem ever written. Much of his work is public domain and is often reproduced in greeting cards.

I found my bio on Wikipedia and reproduced it here. The poem I have had a copy of since my oldest child Noelle was a wee 0ne.

I hope you enjoy.

7 comments:

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Sweetie...
How beautiful this poem is. I remember it well. It allowed us to venture to so many places, and gave our minds an even bigger imaginattion. How wonderful it is.

Thank you for sharing with me this morning. You mentioned a post card swap. I didn't know anything about it. Do you have any information on it? Who is hosting it? I guess I am probably to late to sign up if you already have yours ready to go. Another fun swap I missed out on. I am participating in an Easter swap. I am working on a basket for my sweet friend that I was matched up with. It will be fun.

Have a beautiful Sunday sweetie. Country hugs and much love..Sherry

Kendall@ Finesse Your Nest said...

Beautiful! Really enjoyed reading this poem. I love reading to my kids, even the 14 yr old. It's a tradition and such a good bonding time for us as a family. Thanks for sharing!

CC said...

Hi sweet Anne,
I too have loved this poem and I did indeed read to my children. I used to love to hold,rock my babies and read...it's a memory I cherish.
I didn't know anything about a postcard swap..or if I did,I've completely forgotten about it.Will you leave me a message or email telling me where. Though it may be to late to participate. hugs from Texas..

vintage girl at heart said...

Just saw that I won your giveaway!!
Sorry the comment was hung up in moderation blogland :(!!
What a Blessed way to start the week!!
I will email you my info!!
Blessings!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Funny, I did an exact blog post like this with a photo of my daughter-in-law holding my grandson, using the same poem a few months ago!

Thanks for your kind comments in my blog! May our country never forget!

Parsley said...

I enjoyed stopping by your blog! I'll be back often.

Annie said...

I'm glad I stopped by today! This poem is fantastic & such a tribute to us Mamas that love to read to our children!