Notes About The Poem
I am old enough to know that from whom you are descended really says nothing about you. However, my mother tried to give us prride in that because she couldn't give us material things.
Heritage
The carpet was worn -
The pattern thin in some places,
But it was a “good” rug,
A real original Oriental.
We had others, too, and a
Silver tea service, slightly tarnished,
(Sterling, of course)
On the mahogany sideboard.
The upholstery on the
Living room chairs
Was a little tired, but
It was good “quality” furniture.
And we were descended from
Someone who came over
To this country on the Mayflower!
Mantras I heard many times
When I was growing up
In a “good” neighborhood
My parents could ill afford.
Mantras offered when I complained
That my friends had new furniture
Or prettier rugs, or, even worse,
Wall to wall carpeting.
No penny loafers for me –
I had a serviceable pair of shoes.
The “new” skirt was handed down
From a neighbor’s daughter.
Store clothes were from sales
And always “practical”.
Only years later did I finally
Realize my mother was making
The best of the hard times
And gave up much for us.
It was her way of trying
To make us proud of ourselves
And our heritage, to make up
For the things she couldn’t give us.
Copyright © Barbara Peckham | Year Posted 2021
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