My Mother's Book

High on a shelf are some old hard-back books;
Mary Poppins is one on the pile.
An inscription inside, in a neat cursive hand,
Which I recognized, caused me to smile.

It belonged to my mom, which she got as a gift
From a teacher in her junior high.
Though it’s faded and worn, I won’t toss it away,
But it’s hard to exactly say why.

Such a link to the past is, to me, like a lens
Which allows a brief glimpse of a time
When my mother knew not that a mother she’d be,
Years before from her youth she did climb.

So I dusted it off and replaced it up high
On the back of the very same shelf,
A reminder of life when I didn’t exist
And my mom lived her life for herself.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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12
Krutsinger Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 6:47 AM
"when my mother lived her life for herself" - well said! Congrats on POTD!
George Avatar
January 13, 2023 at 4:34 AM
Lovely memories of your mom engendered by the old book you happened to unearth. It is indeed a priceless treasure. Congratulations Ilene on your POTD
Gorelick Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 2:23 PM
Can sure relate, I once discovered a 1930 highschool yearbook of my mother's, I could hardly believe that laughing, carefree girl was really my mother! Congratulations on your POTD! Robert
Rodrigues Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:32 PM
Beautiful! My dad put together an extensive video of my mom after she died. I started to see not just my mom but that she was somebody other than my mom too. Congratulations on POTD!
Parker Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:14 PM
Excellent piece, Ms. Bauer. Memories come in doses as we explore precious gifts. ;o]
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:25 PM
thank you, arlo! much appreciated...
M  Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:04 PM
Your poem is so beautiful, heartfelt and touching. How very lovely to hold something so very special that was your mums. Congratulations Ilene on a very deserved POTD. Debx
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:24 PM
thank you, deb, for that supportive comment!
De Beaulieu Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 12:14 PM
Hello Ilene, congratulations .on the POTD. Abeautiful poem. enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
January 14, 2023 at 11:04 AM
Hello Ilene, Hi! Your welcome. Hugs.
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:24 PM
nice to hear from you, darlene! thank you!
Tor Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 11:50 AM
To have something that your mother kept reflects on her and is something special to always have, one more item to remind you of your mother. How good is that Ilene? Congratulations on receiving POTD. Congratulations...
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:24 PM
thank you for reaching out, michael! much appreciated...
Nicole Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 11:36 AM
Memories take you back to another time and another place. Holding onto that back, keeps your mother so close. This is emotional, yet beautiful in so many ways. Congratulations Ilene, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:23 PM
i appreciate that lovely comment, brandy! thank you!
Slaughter Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 11:26 AM
Excellent as always, Ilene, and a beautiful choice for POTD.
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:23 PM
hey jim! thank you for your unwavering support...
Meadows Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 10:59 AM
A lovely poem. Congratulations on your POTD. Well done.
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:23 PM
thank you, jeanette!
Susu Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 10:27 AM
her memories behind that book gives us our memories too.
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:23 PM
that is very true! thanks for stopping by...
Merryman Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 9:14 AM
Ilene, congrats on POTD, with this lovely, nostalgic poem! Well deserved! Blessings, Kim M
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:22 PM
hey kim! so nice to hear from you! thank you...
Andresen Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 8:48 AM
- Congratulations on this lovely poem, Ilene :) - hugs
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:22 PM
thank you so much, anne-lise!
Baker Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 8:40 AM
Congratulations on your POTD, Ilene! Lovely thoughts of mother and time of old. Enjoy your special day my friend. Bill
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:22 PM
much appreciated, bill!
Romios Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 8:17 AM
Ongratulations, Ilene. Exquisite, Touching, powerful,. Panagiota
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:21 PM
wow! thanks for that supportive comment, panagiota!
Anaya Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 8:06 AM
Back with congratulations on POTD Ilene! So glad to see this lovely piece. Hugs
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:21 PM
hey anaya! it's always a pleasure to hear from you...
Elless Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 7:58 AM
Congratulations Ilene. Great poem fond memories. Keep Rolling.
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:21 PM
thank you for reading and for your comment!
Wolf Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 7:24 AM
Congrats, Ilene. This one certainly is 'a keeper!! Happy Thursday! :) gw
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:20 PM
thanks, gershon! i appreciate the shout-out!
Hinshaw Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 7:04 AM
Congrats, Ilene! Well-deserved POTD! Bob H
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:20 PM
hey bob! always great to hear from you! thank you!
Goldsmith Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 6:40 AM
Congratulation on your POTD win. A wonderful write. You are lucky to have this book/note. Great memories are the best kind to have. Have a blessed day writing away..................
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:19 PM
thanks so much, paula! i wish you a year filled with great writing days as well...
Fowler Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 6:19 AM
Sweet memories Ilene. Congratulations n the honor of your POTD! :)
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:19 PM
thanks for taking the time to comment, linda!
Lane Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 4:02 AM
I’m pleased to read this one again as potd.
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:18 PM
thanks again, lin! much appreciated...
Kitchin Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 3:55 AM
Ilene, a lovely nostalgic poem, congratulations on POTD!
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:18 PM
thank you for reaching out with this comment, tania!
Ireland Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 3:30 AM
Very emotive ilene. Congratulation on POTD
Bauer Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 1:18 PM
thanks for the shout-out, terry!
12
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