Gertrude, did you know

            the love that I have

seen,

expressions in your daughter’s eyes

            that paint a Picasso

                                    scene

of love and admiration

            respect and joy so

                                    pure

a simple understanding how

            your nurturing

                                    endured

a life of endless toil

            and sacrifice

                                    sublime

of heartache, fear and tragedy

            that plague both body and

mind

that rises above ambition

            ‘cept that a mother

                                    knows

to nurture, uplift and elevate

            with charity

                                    endows

a special kind of gift

            which only you could

                                    cede

firmly planted in Margaret’s heart

            just like a mustard

                                    seed

and watered with your tears

            of love and em-

pathy

springs from every thing she does,

            in gesture, word and

                                    deed?

Oh Gertrude, did you know

            the love that you have

                                    shown

would stand like ancient monument,

            a Tribute to you

alone?