Poems (Coolidge)/My Mother Dear

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

MY MOTHER DEAR

Couldst thou but know her counsel wise,
 So often sought, from near, from far,
The kindling of those speaking eyes,
 That brightly shine as guiding star;
Couldst thou once clasp her hand in thine,
 And feel the charm unwritten here,
Then, only then, couldst thou portray
   My mother dear.

Couldst thou once hear the earnest tone
 In which she speaks a firm command,
(A Medes' and Persians' law alone,
 'Tis thus her word I understand);
And yet, so just is she, and true,
 There is no room for thought of fear,
Nor, can I swerve with her for guide,
   My mother dear.

Couldst thou but love her as I've loved,
 A love my other loves beyond,
Her depths of tenderness had proved
 How firmly knit the precious bond;
My sunshine is her ready smile,
 Her presence always I revere,
Away, my sky is overcast.
   My mother dear.

········

The milestones flit! Is growing old
 The passing of the years away?
The flower to me doth still unfold
 More perfect beauty day by day;
Of self, her own, hath she no thought,
 'Tis eve, how to others cheer,
And thus her youth eternal blooms,
   My mother dear.