A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER

A tribute to my mother is most essential
For me to do because it was Providential
That I be counted among her children she loved
God's greatest gift to me, my mother, gentle as a dove.

She was a person from humble beginnings
Yet was destined to lead, to counsel from sinning
Definitely focused, sincere and sweet in her ways
So positive in outlook, an inspiration to trace.

My mother's love was attuned to God's pure one
To family, relations and friends save none
Even to those who "bite" her open hand
Always forgiving what despair sometimes demand.

Generous was her second name, her friends did tease
A "giving" person without question nor cease
Food or supplies meant for her family's reserve
She shared willingly without bursting a nerve.

A devout Catholic from cradle to grave
She taught her children to be truly saved
More by example than by Bible stories' delight
Her faith shone bright at life's turmoils, dark nights.

Our family prayed together Mary's rosary
A nightly devotion we chorused in Spanish free
"Padre Nuestro" and "Dios te Salve" I learned first
Long before I mumbled prayers in English verse.

Education was to her one of life's stars
Her children to succeed was her goal, not a farce
So the care of a piggery she bore patiently
To help finance our education indefinitely.

The Golden Rule, its essence we were taught to practice
A constant reminder, a "mantra" through all the years
Mother was vigilant that we care without malice
For the "other" show concern not only to peers.

There was also Mom's refrain to this day I hold sacred
While associating with people from life's tapestry
Respect for person no matter the path he treads
To "shortchange" no one like the "have-nots" in society.

Mother taught us to develop and nurture high
The most precious granite-like integrity
So as to look at anyone straight in the eye
At all times and in all places with pure sincerity.

I thank the Lord for bringing you to me
A gift from God, you will always be
I am proud to be a wee bit like you
Just a semblance of your truest hue!


(Written in memory of my mother, Carmen Miranda Calara, on Mother's Day, May 9, 2010)