OH, MOTHER!
 
What dark threads did you choose, my Mother,
To weave on the loom of your life, For you loved gold and silver, my Mother,
And I remember your singing and laughter.
I remember your courage, my Mother,
For you were always in pain;
And I remember your fear.
 
You never swerved from the straight, my Mother,
Though you struggled on a stony road.
What was the cost of your choices, my Mother?
You kept silent and never complained.
No stranger to hardship and sorrow, my Mother,
You were forbearing, gentle,
Gifted and witty and strong.
 
You were loved by your students, my Mother,
For you taught with brilliance and care;
You had deep understanding, my Mother,
High ideals and unselfish ways.
People trusted you with their problems, my Mother,
Knew you would hear them and give
Advice or comfort or aid.
 
You held fast to your faith, my Mother,
Through a life that tested your all;
You left this gift with your tapestry, my Mother,
Which of all things you valued the most.
Against the dark now the gold glisters, my Mother,
And the silver is sparkling;
May you now rest in peace.