MOTHER’S KITCHEN

Through all our years of living
in sorrows, joys and pain,
there was a place in mother’s kitchen
where composure could be gained.

It was a large and homely room
aglow by oil lamp’s light,
where spelling, math and catechism
were practiced every night.

We received so many warm hearts there
for dinners, cards and chats,
long evenings spent in joy and laughter
a place for all to hang their hats.

After long hours spent in ceaseless tasks
when we were tucked away,
her hands would knit and sew and stitch
to keep us all in fine array.

After each and every evening meal
before we went to play,
we’d all kneel in mother’s kitchen
our rosary to pray.

Just inside the front door
in its place of honor there,
was our home’s seat of wisdom
our mother’s rocking chair.

The memories will linger on
written in our hearts to stay,
of the love in mother’s kitchen
for forever and a day.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Jan. 22, 2001