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DARK GLASSES

In darkness, you cried black tears,
when I was but a child,
your heavy heart gave no reply,
as we walked in single file,
I hadn't understood the pain you took,
to raise a son so fleeting,
until, I grew to know the truth,
and felt your heart beating...
Mom, I understand it, all, now,
behind dark glasses,
The sorrow of bidding farewell,
never, never passes.

Logan Sky (c) logansky@hotmail.com

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YOUR GIFT TO ME

I owe you my life
Because that is what you have given me
Life
A new definition and meaning to the same word but with an exhilarating 
outcome instead of a melancholy conclusion
A sunshine that was once murky is now a light that dances at the blue sky
An existence full of energy and a spirit brimming with cheer
When life had me in a bind your presence came right on time
Years of hard living is what I had to go through
But your heart and understanding smile made my soul rise from its dark grave
Precious is everything you have given me
The gift of life you have bestowed upon me will never be taken for granted
Like a caterpillar transforming into a ravishing butterfly, it is anew
I owe you my life
Because you have shown me what is really valuable
Life
Living it and not looking back
Enjoying it; grinning with every heartbeat
With you at my side this life is worth living because you are in it
Feeling like doves flying over a sapphire ocean reaching for a radiant horizon
Nothing could ever take this feeling away
Uplifting my head so it doesn't scrape the ground
This is a new chapter to a book that was never finished
I truly owe you my life

Shawn A. Goins (c) sagg@methode.com

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With the understanding that comes with time, I dedicate this poem to my
mother, Mablene Rogers; it took me until I became an adult to fully
appreciate you, mama, but I always saw you as the embodiment of the oak
tree in our backyard...


      planted by the water

i heard it sung a million times:
 "I shall not be/I shall not be moved
  I shall not be/I shall not be moved
  Just like a tree..."

and mama was/mama is the tree
the mighty oak, not moved
not swayed by the storms that would fell
a lesser soul
roots burrowed deeply
along with the protective Force field
 (invisible to mere mortals, but, there; oh yes, there)
stayed her from the harshest of elements;
the trunk, bearing weather-worn calluses
that would have--that did--
harden my heart,
served to somehow soften hers.
and now the trick of time ages the oak gracefully.

so i take this moment
to plant a small flower by the water.
a softening flower,
to intertwine with the deep-seated root.

/bams (c) cooper@acm.cse.msu.edu

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CONCEPTION OF YOUR MIND
      (MOTHER)

I see in You the womb from
Whence I came.  Coming from a mere
Conception of Your subconscious, I
Was made a reality by the processes
Of Your Biological Functions.

Given the Divine Duty to be the
First Teacher of Men, You are the Rod
By which civilizations are measured.
You are the Foundation upon which
Families stand.  You gave birth to many
Great nations.

I look at You Black Woman, and I see
My own Mother in You, so respect to You
Is due.  She who took Her mental conceptions
And brought forth the Realities of Me;
This is what I see in You.

When I see You Black Woman, I have
No choice but to honor You; sometimes
Physically and sometimes mentally.
I sometimes refer to You as the Woman
That came before Man; study the teachings
Of Mother Earth and You will understand.
So, if You came before Man,
You must hold the key to THE CREATOR'S Plan.

Black Woman, I ask for Your help
In the  Rebuilding of the Afrikan Family;
I ask for Your help in the Rebuilding of
The Afrikan Nation.

Don't let those Time Pills Deceive You,
Don't let those doctors Relieve You.
Don't Destroy the Fruits of Your Womb!
What is to be must be, what is not to be
Will never be;
And that is up to THE LORD to decide.

So to all Black Mothers I say, Thank You
For Your Contributions.  And to all Black Mothers
To be, I pray You have
Positive Mental Conceptions.

** Livicated To Queen Mother Monique Harris **

David L. Weeks (c) conqlion@hotmail.com

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ODE TO ALL MOTHERS

The mother is the greatest gift one will ever receive
When the whole world turns it's back and laughs at you
She continues to believe

Even when we give up on ourselves
She is right there
Whether it be a warm smile or a cold stare
She motivates us in some way
She always know the right things to say

So on this, their special day
I stop to thank all mothers across the world
Thank you for your prayers
Thank you for your tears
Thanks for standing with us through better and worse
Thanks for being a doctor and a nurse

Even though you don't have a specific subject
You are our favorite teacher

Thanks for all the sermons
Sometimes I wonder if you should be called mother or preacher
Thank you for all the sacrifices
Thanks for sharing our pain
Thanks for being the sunshine after the rain

It's not often that you are told just how special you are
So, on this day, know that you are wished
Happiness, Love, and God's speed until our days shall end

Thanks for being a mother
Thanks for being a friend

WISHING YOU THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY EVER

Demeterius Smith (c) demetes@clemson.edu

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SIMPLE EULOGY

I loved my mother very much,
I miss her even more.
For now she's sitting,waiting,
For me, at Heaven's door. 

Dori Benner (c) dorilvn@N-Link.com