Richard Evans Poet Free verse

Mother's Kitchen

the greatest classroom 
I ever sat in 
was my mother's kitchen 

she said 
give what you want 
if you get it back stay 
if you don't leave

she said 
you might not ever get a degree in law
but you damn well better 
get a degree in people

she said 
you cannot 
have an independent mouth 
and a dependent ass

she said 
don't criticize 
the recipe 
only criticize the dish

she said 
marriage is like 
a construction company 
you are supposed to build things
 
she said 
the devil 
does more harm with a lie 
than a knife or gun

she said 
you may not believe in God 
but if you look in my eyes 
you will see the results

the greatest classroom 
I ever sat in 
was my mother's kitchen
 
and I 
graduated 
Summa cum laude

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Andrea Dietrich September 29, 2025 at 1:02 AM Wow. What a cool write. A different very interesting style. Richard Evans September 30, 2025 at 11:58 PM Hey Andrea. Hope all is well. I think of my mom quite often. I'm a momma's boy so this poem was straight from the heart. Thanks for stopping bye..................peace!

CayCay Godwin June 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM I LOVE this, once again you transported me, this time to my Dad's shares in kitchen & other. I laughed throughout but almost inked at the 'ass' verse. My Dad, 'people can't help being ugly but they could stay home', 'lie to others al you want, CayCay, but never to yourself', "people are no damn good', 'In life one is blessed to have just 1 true friend.', 'keep it simple, stupid" OH I enjoy time w/ you. (read last 2 lines of 2nd stanza) You have immortalized your Mom thru poem(s), did she know? Richard Evans September 30, 2025 at 11:55 PM Hey CayCay! I'm sorry for not responding timely. Yes I heard the one you metion. I miss my mom. She was wise and a hoot! CayCay Godwin June 11, 2025 at 10:59 AM I just read this again, visualized my Dad and your Moma exchanging philosophical quotes and laughter. I don't fav often, but I need to take this with me, it's a love adrenaline buzz and I love it. Have you heard this one (Dad told it) "Beauty may be skin deep but ugly goes straight to the bone" Did any of Dad's make you laugh? CayCay Godwin June 11, 2025 at 10:51 AM Regrettably and joyously serving Him, I am an Empath. I feel. Please read "My Fathers Echo", it speaks to my profound 'feel' and ability to see / feel beyond earthly sights. Seems readers didn't catch what 'echo' meant in the poem though it is clearly there. Point is, your Mom knows you still earth love her and spend time with her in word rooms. If you DON'T catch what Dad did, scroll down to Paige's box. IF SPIRIT touches you thus inclined. Won't be hurt if you don't show. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Richard Evans June 11, 2025 at 10:28 AM Hey CayCay. Unfortunately mom moved upstairs before these poems were written, but I did share with her many times how her wisdom saved me from myself. I want to thank you for being so passionate, so engaging. Poets need all we can get. All the best.....................peace!

Susan Ashley June 8, 2025 at 11:31 AM Dear Richard, I adore your poem and the profound advice doled out in “mother’s kitchen”. Mother cooked up wisdom with love and ladled it generously upon your thirsty/hungry heart and soul. Loved every stanza, but especially your last stanza. A wonderful tribute to a wise and caring mother and beautiful woman. Warmest wishes, my dear poet friend.. ~Susan Richard Evans June 11, 2025 at 10:34 AM Friend I just got my 2nd book reveiw on Amazon. You were my first. Gonna' party like a rock star......................bye! Richard Evans June 8, 2025 at 11:19 PM Hey friend, how ya' been? Thanks for the kind words. Family will always inspire me. Working on my 2nd collection of poetry. Thanks again for your time..............peace!