I had a mother who read to me

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,

Cutlasses clenched in their 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 Gelert 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. This poem is in the public domain.

Strickland Gillilan (1869-1954) was an American humorist, lecturer, and poet. Born in Ohio, Strickland started out as a journalist and worked for several different newspapers, including the Washington Post. While on staff at the Richmond Daily Palladium, he wrote a humorous poem about an Irish railroader that ended up in Life Magazine and led to swift national acclaim. Credited with writing the world's shortest poem--"Lines on the Antiquity of Microbes"(subtitled "Fleas"): "Adam/Had 'em."--as well as one of the world?s most anthologized poems (this one), Strickland produced a huge body of work during his lifetime. He traveled the country for years, entertaining enthralled audiences with his witty novels, satirical essays, rollicking songs, and heartwarming poetry.

Post New Comment:

Joe Sottile:

I liked "The Reading Mother." I sort of wish she was my mother. The collection of "Bonus" was interesting, and of high quality. Thank you.

Posted 04/30/2015 10:18 PM Jules4Nicky:

I don't think I've ever read a poem I like so much!

Posted 04/30/2015 07:39 PM transitions:

He was very lucky...lovely poem.

Posted 04/30/2015 12:11 PM dotief@comcast.net:

Beautiful! I had such a mother as well!

Posted 04/30/2015 10:14 AM rhonasheridan:

Lovely poem. Wonderful fleas!

Posted 04/30/2015 01:29 AM





