Found on an old paper bag

A poem written by my mother that I found in a drawer written roughly on an old brown paper bag - I treasure it now she is no longer with us.

"Found on an old paper bag"

When as a child I was asked, What I would like to be?

When grown up, I would reply, most earnestly

"I want to be a nice man's wife, I want to be a mother

Who was listening? God, I think, cause there could be no other

Who gave me Jim, a man most dear, humorous, kind and good

Who's standards are high and never lowered to suit another's mood

An arrogant man in many ways, belief in himself is strong

Many a time I'd bite my tongue from telling him he's wrong

in many of the things he says, but I would never say

when he'd lash out most bitterly against life's unjust way

Because I know he suffers so, and it's pain and frustration

and I know it breaks his heart to see suffering and starvation

It hurts me too, but I can see so many good things starting

Good people working very hard to stop the worst from happening

Children too were given me, seven of the best

3 handsome boys, 4 lovely girls, who could be more blessed

My heart just swells with love for them they give us back so much

Their love, their care, their loyalty - laugher, joy and rest

Material things don't bother me, money is not my God

Enough to feed my family and keep them warmly shod

A homely home with Mum and Dad make children feel secure

And Jim works hard to provide for us, the world's biggest do'er

And so you see how rich I am, not with jewels and money

Because my home is filled with love and days are always sunny

**************

Author's Note

a poem by my mammy X

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"Found on an old paper bag"
KTBradley,
What a precious treasure you shared. I have met your papa, your mama too, even yourself and siblings are mentioned.
I loved the part where she gives her answer; what do you want to be when you grow up. Her answer: "I want to be a nice man's wife, I want to be a mother."
and this next line surly lent itself to you and your sibling's upbringing: "Who was listening? God, I think, cause there could be no other."
Your dad had an upright heart: "I know it breaks his heart to suffering and starvation."
I like this line as well. It speaks of a life unencumbered: "Material things don't bother me, money is not my God. Enough to feed my family and keep them warmly shod."
Here is the heritage speaking: "And so you see how rich I am, not with jewels and money. Because my home is filled with love and days are always sunny."
This was so edifying to read something of this nature. I reminds me of the way people talked who were my own grandparents and parents.
Bless you much.
Kathy

[KT-B]

Ah dear Kathy, thank you so much for reviewing my Mum's poem - she would have loved your feedback though she was mad at me for making copies and giving one to all the family - hid her light under a bushel - so strange you reviewed this now just when I'm feeling fed up with all the housework, chores etc, it brought life back into perspective for me and my values - strange too you used the word "edifying" this was one of my Dad's favourite words to use lol - lovely review Kath, much appreciated X

[Kathy Van Kurin]

We as people are so designed somehow to go through ups and downs in life and just get tired in different ways. Your family is very blessed to of had such moral and strong people as your parents are. I appreciate the context above about your mother's reaction to your finding and sharing her poem. The whole story is really delightful. I hope you are able to relax a little and just be, just ponder you many blessings.
Kathy

[KT-B]

Exactly and very blessed I am too - thanks again I'm glad my parents values come across so well and so correctly and that you recognise it - have a great weekend :)