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.