The Reading Mother

I came across an old poem today that I really like.  I hope that you guys like it too.

The Reading Mother

Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954)

I had a mother who read to me


Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;

"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me plays


Of ancient and gallant and golden days;

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,


Which every boy has a right to know.


I had a Mother who read me tales


Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust till his tragic death,

Faithfulness lent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings-

Stories that stir with an upward touch.

Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be --


I had a Mother who read to me.