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Skyfyre
Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap

0 posted 2000-02-09 02:12 PM


I am the one who bears uncounted names,
The masks I wear are myriad and wild;
I am the Seeker, tireless, untamed,
Who hurries homeward ev'ry straying child.

I am the Saint, whose eyes in sorrow weep
To see the evil deeds that Men perform;
The Haven found, the proud and peerless Keep
That offers refuge in the fiercest storm.

I am the Bane of Demons, warrior strong,
Dispatching Darkness with my shining blade;
I am the Sage, whose memory is long,
And from my whispered words are legends made.

I am the Scholar, keeper of the Tome
That scribes the tales of all who came before;
I am the Hearth, the spirit of the home
Where all may come, and find an open door.

I am the Healer, she whose gentle hand
Can mend all wounds, and soothe the scars of past;
I am the Rock, whose fortitude shall stand
Inviolate, ‘til Time has breathed his last.

And I am Peace, the still and silent sea
That thwarts the storm of strife with careless calm;
So many masks, and ev'ry one is me –
But those who know them all just call me "Mom."


For all of those who started reading this expecting something else, I apologize.  I was struck with a bit of an epiphany today at the hands of my beautiful children, and it ocurred to me how many mothers out there might not realize the sanctity and profundity of the title they bear.  I dedicate this poem to these women -- may it serve as a tribute to you and a reminder to those around you.
                                     --Kess





 Full fathom five thy father lies,
Of his bones are coral made,
Those are pearls that were his eyes;
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange...


--William Shakespeare, from The Tempest


© Copyright 2000 Linda Anderson - All Rights Reserved
JOY 14
Senior Member
since 1999-09-22
Posts 1419
Wisconsin USA
1 posted 2000-02-09 02:16 PM


Ah, motherhood, possibly the toughest but most rewarding job in the world.  Or so I've heard!  Great job.  Your ending explains it all.  

Joy

SEA
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
2 posted 2000-02-09 02:18 PM


Kess~ as a mother and home schooler of 3, I related to this as if my heart wrote it. Thank you so very much. This is wonderful! -SEA
Eloise
Senior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 1096
Wyoming
3 posted 2000-02-09 02:24 PM


Kess, this is so well written.  After reading your comment I went back for a second read and realized just how true those words are. Thanks.
wayoutwalt
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870
TEXAS (it's all big)
4 posted 2000-02-09 02:42 PM


i miss muh mom she died yuh....great poem
Danny Holloway
Member Elite
since 2000-01-15
Posts 2034
Tulsa, OK
5 posted 2000-02-09 03:35 PM


Another wonderful poem from your talented pen.
"So many masks, and ev'ry one is me".
Never truer words spoken!
Great poem!
Danny

Meadowmuse
Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263

6 posted 2000-02-09 03:43 PM


Kess, this is brilliant work, through and through. Your message is delivered in such a unique way, yet quite fundamental in its meaning. Excellent writing, and brimming with truth.

Claire

devina
Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539
Cali
7 posted 2000-02-09 04:16 PM


I honestly didn't know what to expect with a title like that Kess, thought you might devulge some nastly lil secrets..hehe...but this is very touching!!!

 Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

8 posted 2000-02-09 05:02 PM


Like a dose of good medicine to this weary mom.  Thank you, thank you for reminding me...   This one goes on the refrigerator, if I can find an opening, that is...
WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
9 posted 2000-02-09 05:49 PM


Kess if ever there was a poem describing motherhood, you've done it! Being a mother myself I wanna send you one BIG Thank You, for a tribute to all moms!

 <*\\\><

When you can't make up your mind
Which way is right for you,
Stop and softly ask yourself,
What Would Jesus Do?

Rex Allen McCoy
Member Elite
since 2000-01-30
Posts 2863
Sippin a Timmy's in London
10 posted 2000-02-09 05:52 PM


This is a great poem.
My mom helps me with my homework.
She takes me shopping.
She helps me bake and she is my best friend.

Jenn

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
11 posted 2000-02-09 06:11 PM


Excellent writing, Kess. A mother is definitely all this...and more. A child would be lucky to have you as a mom  
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
12 posted 2000-02-09 07:24 PM


Wonderful writing Kess, and a surprise at the end which I find so appropriate.  
HelmutB
Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964
Canada
13 posted 2000-02-09 07:52 PM


It never fails to emaze me how well you put this in words.
It flows so well yet it is a heavy subject
Motherhood never seems to be easy
Well done Kess

 The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools.


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
14 posted 2000-02-09 07:53 PM


Thank you for this brilliant tribute to motherhood. It is also a mirror of your soul, and that makes it even more beautiful
Liz

fool
Member
since 2000-02-07
Posts 61

15 posted 2000-02-09 07:56 PM


lovely work,you got your point
across in such a beautiful fashion,
well done.

Gemini
Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203
Wisconsin, USA
16 posted 2000-02-09 10:26 PM


Thank you for describing motherhood so well.
Very beautiful.

Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
17 posted 2000-02-10 03:27 AM


Uh-huh!

See, I'm not the only one with multiple personalities!!! Now why is it I get berated for it, huh???

Seriously though Kess, this speaks volumes of truth. I know my mom's capable of amazing feats! (She had to put up with me for one!!!)

Skyfyre
Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap
18 posted 2000-02-10 03:40 PM


Joy, SEA, Eloise:  Glad you enjoyed, and kudos to you all.    

walt:  I am so sorry to hear that; may this help you to cherish her memory.

Danny:  So that's the culprit -- my talented pen!  I was wondering ...     But seriously, thank you.    

Claire:  Just wanted to remind everyone of the little things we tend to forget.  The fundamentals, as you say.    

devina:  I divulge my dirty little secrets in ADULT, dear, not in Open!  Sheesh!    

serenity, WhtDove:  hugs to you both, you deserve them.    

Rex:  There ya go, proof for my hypothesis.  Give her a hug for me!  

Bal:  Thank you, tell that to my kids!      Just kidding -- I consider myself lucky to BE their mom ...

Helmut, Liz, fool, Gemini:  Thank you all, just a little introspection on a page -- glad you enjoyed!

Christopher (you brat):  Trust you to take something like this and twist it beyond all recognition!  Humph!  LOL  

Anyway, as far as the multiple personalities thing -- I don't berate you for THAT, I just do it cause its so gosh darned FUN ... hehehe    

Smooches all (cept Chris, who gets a  :0P)

--Kess




[This message has been edited by Skyfyre (edited 02-10-2000).]

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
19 posted 2000-02-10 04:02 PM


Quite a twist and the end, there!

And, power to us moms! Yea!

Corinne


Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
20 posted 2000-02-11 08:07 AM


... Very well said..

...What God has made of motherhood - Let no man put asunder...

Mike
Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462

21 posted 2000-02-11 08:26 AM


I do so enjoy reading your poetry.
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
22 posted 2000-02-11 08:45 AM


Kess...you've paid a wonderful tribute to mothers everywhere with this one...thank you  
JennyLee
Senior Member
since 1999-09-01
Posts 1461
Northwestern, NJ.
23 posted 2000-02-13 01:05 PM


I am the Scholar, keeper of the Tome
That scribes the tales of all who came before;
I am the Hearth, the spirit of the home
Where all may come, and find an open door.

Love your insight and the rare gift you have presented with this one Kess  


Jennifer L.

Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
24 posted 2000-02-14 12:00 PM


Kess-
This mother's heart thanks you for
recognizing all of us.
Yes, we are fortunate enough to
wear the SuperWoman Cape along
with those masks.


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



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