Mother-Wise
Our Mother never drove a car
Ran marathons or shot for par
She didn’t frequent fine boutiques
Or fill the house with rare antiques

A pedicure was not her style
Nor did she think feng schui worthwhile
And training at the local gym
She needed not for staying trim

But she could sooth a skinned up knee
Make peace when we would disagree
Allow us more than one mistake
And cook the perfect chicken fried steak

She taught us thrift and how to love
And when pulled down to rise above
But best of all in our behalf
She showed us how to really laugh

We felt so good about ourselves
No “how-to-books” lined up on shelves
Or trendy sites in cyberspace
Could ever work to take her place

Carol Smith