Sunday, May 14 is Mother’s Day. Although I lost my mother Ruth in 1996 and my stepmother Martina in February, I wrote this poem in 1979 after a trip to West Africa. I called it “Africa & Me”. I’ve changed some of the words and shortened it, but it’s my tribute to all the mothers.

Across the country for me to see, there is a Continent of mothers’ beautiful to see…

What does motherhood mean to me, it is a sea of many colors for all to see…

I’ve met many mothers whose names I can’t remember, but their image is as strong as timber………

Mothers are friends and relatives in the Garden of Eden, all so beautiful it will stop your breathing’…….

In Africa where civilization has been traced, there are beautiful mothers who have majestic grace…….

A mother’s smile is warm and bright, she even makes the stars smile at night….

Mother’s are the father’s wife, but their proud elegance is larger than life

Without Mothers we could not be, bringing in new life is

like ecstasy…….

So, Mothers, Mothers, what they mean to me……

By me, for me, to do for you – Happy Mother’s Day

?” Delores McCain