The Reading
Mother
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 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.
Strickland
Gillilan