How Happy Ever After Begins

When I was young, I heard my momma say, 
come here my child and sit upon my knee.
This life is filled with many ups and downs,
but you can still be what you want to be.

I was just eighteen when my momma said,
son don’t you know you got to have a plan.
If you hang around this place all your life,
you will never grow up to be a man.

Don’t be afraid of what’s there in the end,
cause it’s the journey that’s worth living for.
The only way for you to get started,
is by taking that first step out the door.

She said, don’t you be uppity with folk,
but don’t let nobody push you around.
Best be humble when things are going good,
stay positive when things are looking down.

Don’t you be spreading hate and discontent,
among the naive and the innocent.
Never once have trust in the government,
because that’s the way evil always wins.
 
When a few good people band together,
lend a helping hand to one another.
Watching out for their sisters and brothers,
that’s how happy ever after begins.

I was thirty-five when my momma died,
they said that her illness could not be cured.
I was feeling as low as I could get,
and hated life and all that it stood for.

I had sunk down and was feeling sorry,
thinking that this life made no sense to me.
Until I recalled those words momma said,
while bouncing that baby boy on her knee.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Baker Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 1:40 PM
You had a good momma, Jerry, and a wise one to boot. I had a good one too. She'd always calm me down when I'd get upset with life or anybody for that matter. My heart tells me there's a heaven and I know if it's true, momma like ours are awaiting on me and you. A poem from your heart, A FAV for my list. Bill
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:16 PM
Thanks Bill. There was no hugs better than my momma's hugs.
Rolland Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 10:14 AM
a heartbreaking poem, always listento mammas, mine died two years ago, miss her, thanks for the poem, so wise poetry, bravo poet
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:14 PM
So sorry for your loss Yann. When I was young, I thought my parents were such old fogies. But Now I realize how wise they were.
Wolf Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 8:15 PM
Momma knows best, and she's the toughest loss there is as well. Great write, Jerry. Thanks, Gershon
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:13 PM
You are so right my friend. I still say, 'my momma told me, or I remember my momma did it this way, many times a day now.
M  Avatar
October 9, 2023 at 9:59 AM
A heart felt touching write Jerry! Debx
Brotherton Avatar
October 10, 2023 at 4:06 PM
Thank you Deb.
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