The Reading Mother

I have always loved this poem since I first read it many years ago. I liked it so much because my mother read to me. And taught me to read before I started school. And encouraged me to read as much as possible..except she didn't much care for me getting in trouble at school for reading instead of doing my work.

I had a Mother to read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlassas clenched in the yellow teeth,
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath

I had a Mother who read me lays
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 Celert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent 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.

                                        Strickland Gillilan

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