Mothers

Poem based on Seamus Heaney's Names of the Hare translation:

Many things make a mother,
Including trust in one another.
To love you unconditionally,
And those good ones traditionally
Will cater for your every need
Until you learn to fend, then she'd
Still do her best when times get rough
And she would help you sure enough.
Your greatest friend, your father's wife -
The womb to which you owe your life.

Your cleaner, your caterer,
Your sandwich-maker.
Bread-kneader, mouth feeder,
Bed-maker, housekeeper.
The fixer-upper,
The call to supper.

The loved, the hated,
The taken-for-granted,
The woman.

The hugger, the carer,
The trouser-wearer,
The law enforcer.

The confiscator, the back-hander,
The "go-to-your-room"-er.
The worrier, the protector,
The boyfriend inspector.
Your biggest supporter.

The accountant, the lawyer,
The nagger, the praiser,
The teacher, the chauffeur,
The idol, the saviour.
The polite-phone-chatter,
The don't-do-thatter.
The "don't-tell-your-dad,"
The easily made mad.
The red-wine drinker,
The wise thought thinker.
The problem solver,
The small hand holder.
The couldn't-live-without-'er.

The encourager, the burden bearer.
The best adviser, the money sharer.
The shopping partner, the clothes buyer.
The shoulder you can cry on.
The companion, the patient one.
The woman who made your childhood fun.

The dresser, the changer,
The "don't-talk-to-strangers."
The "watch-your-lip"-er,
The wearer of slippers.

The cat lover, the jumper knitter.
The worker, the mender.
The chocolatier, the connoisseur,
The washer and the nurse.

"Mother" isn't just a name;
It's a title earned by maternal fame.
There's certain traits a mother needs:
Like performing loving, selfless deed.
Somewhat stern and adamant,
Yet loving and compassionate.
Forgetful and forgiving,
To teach the lessons of living.
So if she's in an angry mood,
Just think how much she's done for you -
And remember you're a handful too!