Monday, April 23, 2012

Song for my Mother, Reprise

My mom is the one in the center, right where she belongs!

Today is my mother's 85th birthday. She probably won't appreciate my mentioning her age, but I do it for the right reasons, because I think she looks so much younger. Right? She is surrounded by my siblings and yours truly, which accounts for the big smile on her face. Mom likes nothing better than to have her children around her. And if her grands and great-grands are there, too, so much the better!

I wish we could all be around her today, but we will have to wait until next month to celebrate in person. Meanwhile, I will remind her of how special she is to me and the entire family by reposting a poem I wrote a couple of years ago that she particularly loves. By the way, the music that accompanies it is one she used to play on her violin as a performance piece...which makes it particularly appropriate.


What song shall I sing for my mother? What key?

Which chords own the notes that will set her joy free?

Was psalm ever born that could raise her hopes high

as the million bright stars she has hung in my sky?

Might one interval be so deep and so wide

that the dreams of her heart could rest safely inside?

Which chorus would ring through her soul like a bell,

proclaiming in cadence what words cannot tell...

that she is a mother of infinite worth,

whose opus has played since the day of my birth?

What song shall I sing for my mother? What key?

Which chords own the notes that will set her joy free?
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

One melody answers, in strains weak and strong.

Its verses are mine, every line, right or wrong.

I sing for my mother...I've sung all along.

My life is the song.

Happy Birthday, Mom!
May the lives of your children be the sweetest songs of your heart.

We love you!

=)

23 comments:

Pondside said...

Oh my goodness, no wonder that is your mother's favourite.
Our mothers are the same age. Aren't we lucky, at our age, to still be mothered?

Susan Anderson said...

Yes we are SO lucky, Honora. And I don't take even one day for granted.

=)

momto8 said...

she looks fabulous!!! happy birthday to her! you are blessed to have each other.

Unknown said...

Happy birthday Darlene! xxx

Unknown said...

What a lovely tribute to your Mother; happy birthday to that lovely lady!

Daydreamer said...

That's a wonderful tribute to your mother. She sounds like a wonderful women to have both as a friend and a mother.

Susanna said...

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Susanna said...

P.S. happy birthday to your mom :)

Brian Miller said...

smiles... a lovely verse for her...and i hope she has a wonderful birthday....and good job on not taking even one day for granted...

Unknown said...

I hope she had a wonderful birthday!

Grandma Honey said...

Happy Birthday to your dear Mom!!
I've grown to care for her. I love the open and honest way she writes. And she so very dearly loves her family!

I've come to look forward to Tuesday nights!

Lisalulu said...

Happy Birthday to your mama too!! (love the music poem) My mom is the same age! so glad that she is up and active and loving all her family so much! AND I see her all the time on these ole' blogs...so a women not afraid of the internet. bravo!

karen said...

It seems to me that she's had several sweet songs to listen to over the years. She's a wonderful and delightful woman - just the sort I really enjoy knowing. I'll wish her another happy birthday here!

Stacy said...

Best gift ever!

Nancy said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful tribute to your Mom (my more like a sister....Aunt). What touched me most was the beautiful violin music. How I miss hearing her play as she did so with such feeling. Darn arthritis has deprived so many of that wonderful experience. One more time.... Happy 85th Darlene!!! We all love you.

Leovi said...

Happy birthday to your mother, mine is the same age. We've done a nice tribute.

yaya said...

Happy Birthday Darlene! I hope she gets my card I sent...she's such a special lady. My Mom will be 86 next month and I'm thrilled to still have her with me. I love the poem and the music was beautiful..perfect. I know you are both blessed to have each other. I hope she feels better and her day is special.

Karen Sue said...

how nice...how very, very nice....

Karen Sue said...

how nice...how very, very nice....

Karen Mortensen said...

That was really beautiful Sue. I bet your mom is a wonderful lady.

Cheryl said...

This is beautiful, Sue.

(As I'm catching up I'm finding myself feeling happy that your mom is still going strong and so very sad for your friends's loss. Life is a series of ups and downs, isn't it?)

Sistas in Zion said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sistas in Zion said...

What beautiful words for your mother! She doesn't look her age at all, they say black don't crack, but your Mama is proving that she doesn't either! We hope she had a blessed birthday.