Paper In Her Shoes

PAPER IN HER SHOES

She dropped out of school at age 14,

To go to work and put food on her family table.

Even though she was smart enough,
To skip a grade in school.

She used to put paper in her shoes,

To cover the holes in their soles when she walked to work.

She lovingly raised four children, and helped put them through college.

It would take a million words to describe her love, patience, and especially her strength.

She worked all her life at something,

Always insisting that “Sleep is a waste of time”.

She had an unshakeable faith in God.

Her old Bible is worn completely out.

She read it through and through countless times.

She is with God in Heaven now, and can take a break.

But she probably won’t.

She’s more likely trying to convince God,

That sleep is a waste of time…and looking for someone to help.

This was Jessie Blanche Freeman Rudd.

But I just called her Mom.

…James B. Rudd
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Brown Avatar
December 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM
The Christmas season seems to bring out such brilliant poetry from all the poets here at PoetrySoup making you all ~~~Poet Extraordinaires~~~. I thank you for sharing your poetry with us all through the year James. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
December 7, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Your mom seems to be a member of "The Greatest Generation," James. Those who lived through this period have better values and a wiser perspective on life. Like your mother, they were courageous and hard working. Your mother sounds a lot like my own and I miss her. What a wonderful, loving son you are! God bless you for taking such good care of her. This poem is very moving! Love, Carolyn
Segal Avatar
December 7, 2009 at 8:45 AM
She was an amazing woman, I know! I can feel her in you! love Simone
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