Dear Mother of Mine

DEAR MOTHER OF MINE 667 Every lesson you've taught me has helped them to rise Nearer the sunshine and cloudless blue skies; Every tear you've shed o'er me has been the soft dew That refreshed them and drew them much nearer to you. Though bitter rebellion oft surged through my brain In wild waves of anger when punishment's pain You inflicted upon me for some small misdeed, The soul deep within me ne'er failed to give heed. And oft, when I lifted sin's cup for a drink, It was lowered because of what "Mother would think." Though strong the temptation and luring the way, I have turned at the thought of what "Mother would say " And so each experience has aided the roots Of affection's young plants to send up their green shoots, Renewing their energy, speeding the day When they should bear blossoms along life's dull way. Thus, dear Mother of mine, in the years that have flown, I have been well content just to call you my own. I have been satisfied just to bask in your love — In its influence sweet, like a boon from above. I've accepted your care and devotion so true, With a passive thanksgiving to heaven for you; I have realized vaguely the hardships you've borne; I have sympathized, too, when your heart has been torn When you have been weary and troubled and blue, I've longed to give some of my own strength to you; When you have been ill with dark worry or pain, I've longed to bring sunshine and hope back again. But never, till now, Mother dear, have I known, The extent of the suff'ring you've borne for your own — The pain and distress that accompany the birth Of another glad soul to inherit the earth. But now that I know of the! things you passed through, To give me my life, and the pain that you knew. That affection has blossomed and a breeze from above, Has quickly matured it — 'tis now a deep love, A love that is worship, dear Mother of mine, A reverence deep for a soul so divine; And now I return to a greater degree The measure of love that you're giving to me. So now, in the future, I'll try hard to live In a way that will merit the love that you give ; In my thoughts and my words and my actions, I'll show That I'm striving to go as you want me to go. I will try hard to lighten the load that you bear; I will strive to remove every worry and care; And when, in your eyes, I see that light shine, I'll know what it means, dear old Mother of mine! Walter N. Horne.