How Many Tears, Part I
by Cheryl J. Howell
April 26, 2012
Written for Mama
by Cheryl J. Howell
April 26, 2012
Written for Mama
Mama, Mama—how many tears?
How many tears did it take you
To get through these long ninety years?
And life goes on—and so do you.
Why not sit with me on these stumps,
So I can rest my knee a while.
I always thought you walked too fast—
I'll not make it another mile.
Tell me, Mama, about the tears.
How many tears did it take you
To raise six girls and not lose stride?
You are strong, whatever you do.
Growing up was so full of work,
And barely any time to play.
But what we missed most, I think, though,
Was time to love and feel that way.
I love you, Mama, much deeper,
Deeper than you could ever know.
I'm writing straight out of my heart,
There is no place else I can go.
A store bought card won't say enough,
Won't tell my story, that is true.
So I will tell it myself, now—
No one, is as precious as you!
© 2012 Cheryl J. Howell. All rights reserved.
How many tears did it take you
To get through these long ninety years?
And life goes on—and so do you.
Why not sit with me on these stumps,
So I can rest my knee a while.
I always thought you walked too fast—
I'll not make it another mile.
Tell me, Mama, about the tears.
How many tears did it take you
To raise six girls and not lose stride?
You are strong, whatever you do.
Growing up was so full of work,
And barely any time to play.
But what we missed most, I think, though,
Was time to love and feel that way.
I love you, Mama, much deeper,
Deeper than you could ever know.
I'm writing straight out of my heart,
There is no place else I can go.
A store bought card won't say enough,
Won't tell my story, that is true.
So I will tell it myself, now—
No one, is as precious as you!
© 2012 Cheryl J. Howell. All rights reserved.
Francis Miller Leffler
Asheville, North Carolina
Photo by G.W. Grimm-Howell
Asheville, North Carolina
Photo by G.W. Grimm-Howell
