Things My Mother Taught Me

My mother taught me how to read a book
plant seeds in soil and how to look, 
at other people with an open mind
saying, "Everyone has mountains to climb."

She taught me how to write poems and letters
and continually strive to make myself better,
inside myself to learn and grow
and seeing the best in others even when cold winds blow.

She taught me how to ride a bike
fall off, get up and be polite,
and that sometimes we don’t always win
nevertheless, try, try, try again.  

My mother taught me how to dream
and how to believe in things unseen,
like angels, saints, and the power of prayer 
that can heal heavy hearts from out of thin air.  

And how not to fear monsters hiding under my bed
but to believe in sweet dreams instead,
and to wake up thankful with each morning sky 
and never stop wondering or asking why.     
 
She taught me how to play with friends and strangers alike
how-to pick-up toys and turn out the lights,
how to say, "Please and thank you" and open doors
for those older than me and so much more.

More than I could ever describe in thoughts and words
things once taught now forgotten, unheard,
but still in my veins, living deep in my bones
with all that she taught me, I'm never alone.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Baker Avatar
September 3, 2022 at 3:50 PM
A beautiful tribute poem to your loving mother. A great blueprint for how to be a great mom. Thanks for sharing from your heart the things a mother should be sharing with their children. The flow of your poetry is exquisite, Terry. Write On! my friend. Bill
Dietrich Avatar
August 19, 2022 at 12:53 PM
thanks for the kind words below
M  Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 8:34 PM
Terry…your poem tugged at my heart…your mum sounded so very special and by the way you write of her and the proudness you hold she did a great job. Loved it! Debx
Martin Avatar
August 18, 2022 at 12:23 PM
Hi Deb, words cannot fully convey my appreciation for you stopping by, reading, and commenting so very deeply and thoughtfully concerning this poem I penned for my dear mother. She was a jewel. Everyone who knew her couldn't help but love her because she had an unquenchable zest for life and everyone in it. She went line dancing almost weekly right up until she passed away in her mid-seventies. Thanks again and many blessings, Terry
Dietrich Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 1:10 PM
My goodness, my mom taught me only half these things!! She was a single mom for quite a while. But at least she developed confidence in me by praising my love of reading and writing. Lovely poem, Terrell.
Martin Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 6:34 PM
It's obvious to even the most casual observer (like myself), Andrea, that your mother did an absolutely amazing job of raising you. Kudos to the both of you and thanks for chiming in on this poem. Warm hugs, Terry
Logan Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 5:55 PM
Your mother was a very wise woman who raised a gentleman for a son. Lovely sentiments you've written for her, Terry. Emotions that we feel through your lines. Nicely written.
Martin Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 8:45 PM
Hi Jenna, I aways look forward to your deeply thoughtful and kind-hearted comments but this one means more than usual. She was indeed a wise woman who imparted the very best in me. But I could and should be so much better than am and like most good folks including you, I'm constantly striving towards self-improvement. Truly, thanks again, Jenna. Keep shining like the star you are. Terry
La France Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 1:20 PM
Terrell, your poem is so beautiful penned with so much love and pride for your mother, I love it, blessings ~Constance
Martin Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 8:34 PM
Hi Constance, words cannot express my sincere appreciation for your visit and complimentary thoughts on this poem. I owe you a visit and promise to see you soon. God bless & Thanks again, Terry
Hankins Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 1:02 PM
Terry, this is one of the best poems on this theme I have ever read. Your mother was the epitome of what mothers should be. I had one like her who, unfortunately, was not around as long as I would've liked. Your mother was a jewel, precious like no other. Excellent writing, my friend.
Martin Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 8:31 PM
Hi Milton, thank you for the exceptionally high praise of which I am deeply humbled and feel sincerely undeserving of. More importantly, I'm truly sorry to hear about the early loss of your own mother but hope you felt the same way about her. Thx again, Terry
Lane Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 11:25 AM
You've received a better education from your mother than you could've gotten anywhere else, Terry. Your poetry continues to impress with cadence and vocabulary. Very well created.
Lane Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 11:57 AM
You're welcome.
Martin Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 11:49 AM
Thank you, Lin. The older I become the more I realize what an amazing mother and woman she was. I'm a very lucky and blessed man for having been raised by her and appreciate your complimentary thoughts far more than you know. Have a wonderful week full of living, loving and writing, Terry
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 11:19 AM
Hello Terrell Martin, Your mother taught you well. It is nice to meet you. Enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 17, 2022 at 3:01 PM
Hello Martin Terrell, I look forward to seeing you on my poetry page Martin. Thank you for the lovely comment Martin.All the best to you my friend. ,,,,Darlene.
Martin Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 11:26 AM
Hi Darlene, thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting. My mother was a gem of a lady and I'm sure you are too. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to returning your kindness by visiting your poetry page soon. All the best, Terry
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