Mother Tongue

Remember remember the songs of your Grandma.
She sings and her words live in you.

Remember remember the gold of the old words
that carry her love that is true.

With chatter and clatter the kids in the school-room
are talking in words you don’t know.

Some words are for working, some words are for singing,
some words are like seeds that will grow.

The story of family is hiding in sayings
of mothers and fathers and aunts.

The melody, history, promise and poems
are magnets that stick to your heart.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Wolf Avatar
August 25, 2026 at 8:15 PM
I feel exactly the same way... and am fortunate that I can speak and understand much of the Yiddish that was my gramma and grampa's mother tongue.
Swan Avatar
August 25, 2026 at 8:19 PM
What a gift they have given. It is sad to see kids abandon home languages to fit in when they could have had both. And the songs... They're the best :)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace