MOTHER

Time has weathered her through the years
Through all her smiles and her tears
The memories are beginning to fade away
As she ages day by day

Once she led a vivacious life
She was a good mother
A loving and faithful wife

As children we were a handful
Her patience we would test
I'm sure there were times
She wanted to get away
for some much needed rest

Whenever we misbehaved
She was generous with a paddle
We could be quite stubborn
and give her quite a battle
But all in all, it kept us in line
I'd say we turned out fine

Other kids in the neighborhood
would always say
They wished their own mothers
were that way
So mom took them all under her wing
Treated them as her own
It made them all feel loved--funny thing
And this they remember and appreciate
Now that they're all grown

If anyone tried to give mother any flak
She never hesitated to fight back
She was a strong willed woman
in a 5 foot frame
But that strong will is now gone
Such a shame

When father passed away
Her life began a slow change
We hardly even noticed
when she began to act strange

Her will and vivacity now long gone
As if she doesn't want to live on
She's now like a child
to be taken by the hand
Unable to do a thing on her own
Unless given a command

Time has taken its toll
Her spirit is gone from her soul
But the memories of her sharing past
In my mind will forever last

2001 Copyright© Edith Bael


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