What can you say about your Mum? She's always been there for me, she's salved my scraped knees (there have been a few) and I wouldn't swap her for all the tea in China. Here's to you, Mum, I love you. 
 
MUM
 
Today is your birthday,
I know it's fifty-nine,
just the excuse I needed,
to write this loving line.
 
There are so many thoughts,
and words that I haven't said,
Time to change grey matter,
and put pen to paper instead.
 
I've thought about the conception,
can you remember the night?
But we can't talk about that,
some things are just not right.
 
I know about the butcher's job,
and that it was only part time,
But I'm glad you took it as now,
I'm here to write this little rhyme !
 
And then I think about the birth,
with you up and Dad down,
it was a bloody good job,
the midwife was in town!
 
I sometimes sit and ponder,
about our life in the Avenue,
But I admit not very much,
as I know I was only two!
 
And then we went up market,
and no longer paid the rent,
We moved to a lovely house,
twenty two in the Crescent.
 
It was brand new & custom built,
and certainly wasn't a shack,
Everything freshly painted,
and with fields out the back.
 
As I look back on those days,
I am proud of my blood,
and could not have wished,
for a happier childhood.
 
But I do remember the day,
I was caught stealing a bottle of pop,
I was bagged red handed,
but you were the fairest cop.
 
You were tough that day,
and taught me right from wrong,
a message that I heard,
and has lasted this long.
 
There were other pearls of wisdom,
that I've passed on to my tribe,
there's no such word as can't,
and never take a bribe.
 
You had three boys,
they've grown straight & true,
I think in no small way,
it's got to be down to you.
 
And now I've got my memories,
including our dog called Jess,
and lovely Sunday dinners with,
gravy boats of happiness.
 
I know you are no saint,
and like a ciggie or two,
the kitchen could do with a tidy,
and you can talk 'til you are blue.
 
But I know I'd never swap,
when all is said and done,
I really just want to say thank you,
thanks for being my Mum.

Copyright Allen Jesson :) 2000