Heritage

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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.

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 © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 7/17/2021 10:50:00 PM
Thanks again for all your reads and comments. I truly appreciate all of them.
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Date: 7/17/2021 6:31:00 PM
She was a good mother, Barbara. I think many of your readers will relate to your circumstances. We were just dirt poor, but Momma said we would be clean and proud! And we were. And we were not allowed to be indolent.
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