Monday, September 9, 2024 The Beautiful Mary B

The beautiful Mary B died one year ago today. I’ve had many moments over the year when I’ve thought, “Oh, Mom would love to hear this,” or “Mom would enjoy seeing this…” When I found out that at least one of my poems was going to be published in a poetry anthology for children, my first thought was to call Mom and tell her. She would have been so pleased.

Going through some old things (a theme of mine lately, right?), I came across a poem that Mom had written for Dad, probably right before their wedding day in June of that year.

I had not seen it before and upon reading it, I laughed out loud, remembering what a delightful sense of humor she had, self-deprecating and hilarious. I hope that she would not mind me sharing this with the few people that read my blog – some of you knew her and will appreciate this glimpse of her unique and altogether winsome character.

“What kind of a wife has he?” They say,
When they see him go by on the 3rd of May,
Hobbling and wincing by with a crutch – –
“He must have a wife that talks too much!”

“What kind of a wife has he?” They say,
When they see him go by on the 3rd of May,
“He looks as though he’s never been kissed! – –
I’ll bet his wife is an egotist!!”

“What kind of a wife has he?” They say,
When they see him go by on the 3rd of May,
“She must be dumb as she can be – –
(I hear she flunked geography!)”

“What kind of a wife has he?” They say,
When they see him go by on the 3rd of May,
“Oh look! — My word — he’s taking a hammer!
I hear she’s always correcting his grammar!!”

SO BEWARE!!!

I’m pretty sure Dad never had occasion to regret his decision.

I miss you, Mom…

(What kind of a blog has she, they say, when they read what she wrote on the 3rd of May…to be deleted!)