MY MOTHER (Mary Jane Earley)
By Tracey Magrann
Her folks came from Ireland on the boat
Speaking Gaelic, that’s no joke
One of nine girls, just one boy
When he was born, they jumped for joy
The girls all made a softball team
And basketball, too, it seems
Since there was only one little brother
They’d have to dance just with each other
She was, before their wedding date
Always Earley, sometimes late
As newlyweds, they needed money
She welded airplanes—I think that’s funny
In labor, she had to take a bus
And wade through snow to deliver us
For some moms, working is a “must”
But our Mom was always home with us
She taught me how to tie my shoes
Because they kept on coming loose
When Dad came home, I was proud to say
“Mom taught me how to tie my shoes today!”
Over a hot stove, she had to slave
Until they invented the microwave
Dinner for four in just five minutes flat
Already done? Imagine that!
On holidays, believe you, me
Our house was quite a sight to see
Decorated wall to wall
Bought out King of Prussia Mall
The house always smelled nice, too
From perfume, incense, or beef stew
When invited to another’s home
She would never leave alone:
She always brought a hostess gift
Wrapped and ready in a jiff
For cocktail parties, she’d wear her best
Fancy, glittering evening dress
She cleans the house before the maid
The ones she hired had it made
She gave us comic books when leaving
For an adult-only evening
When leaving on a trip, I’d try
My best to make her stay—I’d cry
She’d say, “I know how to dry your eyes;
Look—I have for you a prize!
She always brought home souvenirs
From every country, far and near
When she’s in pain, she won’t complain
Typical of Mary Jane
Compared to all, she’s like no other
I’m proud to say she is My Mother