The reading mother

By Strickland Gillian

I had a Mother who read to me

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea

Gulasses 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 the right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales

Of Gelert teh 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 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 can never be ——

I had a Mother who read to me.