THE FAMILY THAT READS

A very wonderful husband commissioned me to capture this family moment for his wife, and unveiled it for Mother’s Day. He told me the story about how his wife was reading to their youngest son, the older kids started gathering to tease the little brother about his intense interest in the story, after some moments they were all mesmerized by the story. This scene, the Father told me, captured the essence of his family.

The Reading Mother
by
Strickland Gillilan

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses 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 a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the 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 the 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 you can never be--
I had a Mother who read to me.