Mother’s Day has arrived once again and you’re wondering what to do for your mother.  Flowers?  Dinner?  Clean your room?  What could possibly impress your mother after all these years?

 

You could write her a lovely little poem that compares her to flowers, birds, honey or sugar but that would be very ordinary.  Is there something that you could do that would express your unique existence as her child?  Can you recognize your mother’s accomplishment in assuring that you didn’t grow up to be a terrorist?

 

As in any poem, specific, authentic, genuine details make the poem more effective.  Avoid the usual platitudes of how perfect and great your mother is.  A poem that glorifies your mother might seem the best way to show your filial appreciation, but true description and honest feeling are higher poetic values.

 

From Memory to Poetry

 

True appreciation of mother comes in the form of actually remembering details that make her special, rather than just repeating the stereotype of the perfect mother.  She’ll certainly see right through any sentimental verse that you compose, so you’d better stick to real events and observations, honestly embellished with your emotions.  Complete the following chart with authentic details.

 

Memories

Description

Describe her greatest success as a mother

 

 

What makes you proud of your mother?

 

 

Describe your mother’s smile

 

 

The most enjoyable meal your mother ever cooked

 

The most unique place your mother ever took you

 

The scariest moment of your childhood from which your mother rescued you

 

The craziest laugh you ever heard from your mother

 

Describe your mother’s hands

 

 

 

Now that you’ve recalled several real details of your mother’s character and value, your sense of appreciation should be more intense. 

 

Sentimentality

 

Keep your poem as realistic and honest as possible.  Look at the following lines, and select which ones are most appropriate in a poem.

 

Example One

 

A.        You are absolutely perfect in every way

B.        You are like a goddess on earth

C.        Your cookies are baked within the warmth of your heart

 

Example Two

 

A.        Your simple smile welcomes me home from school

B.        You are sweet, kind, loving and patient with me

C.        You are the light of my life, guiding every moment

 

Example Three

 

A.        I love you so much, you have sacrificed your life for me

B.        You teach me strength, I follow your honest path

C.        I dedicate my whole life to fulfilling my obligation to you

 

Use as many specific details about your mother as possible.  Avoid lines that could generally be applied to every mother in the world.  Concentrate on those qualities that make your mother’s love, patience and effort absolutely unique to her.  By showing specific awareness of her motherly qualities, reveal your true respect and appreciation of her dedication.

 

 Organization

 

There are several different ways to arrange your poem.  One way is to arrange the details chronologically, from earliest childhood to the present.  Another approach would be to focus on one particular aspect of your mother.  For example, focus on one important event in which she demonstrated the full range of her motherly strength.

 

Prepare your poem for your mother and present it to her on mother’s day. 

 

A flower will accompany the poem nicely.

 

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From a poetic perspective, the best choice of lines in the examples above are 1. C  2. A.  3. B