A Mother’s Love

My mother said
When I was a girl
If you eat burnt toast
Then your hair will curl

My mother said
Do this, do that
You’re not going out
Without a hat

Mother said hurry up
And dry your eyes
Nobody wants
A girl that cries

Mother said don’t be scared
When it’s getting dark
Don’t talk to strangers
When you’re at the park

Mother said that carrots
Would improve my sight
And help me see
In the darkest night

Mother said remember
The Green Cross Code
Never stand between cars
When you cross the road

She never actually said
The words “I love you”
But it was one of those things
That I always knew

©Marian Barker