You could not give me land or gold or wealth, <br />But helped me get precious education; <br />You could not give me luxuries but health, <br />But showed labor mixed with dedication. <br /> <br />You could not show me the grandeur of Life, <br />But showed me how to live in piety; <br />You could not find me a wealthier wife, <br />But showed me how to do true charity, <br /> <br />You could not show me pomp and show and bliss, <br />But showed me how to live God-fearingly; <br />You should me my prayers to never miss, <br />And showed me speak the truth so daringly. <br /> <br />You could not guide me how to reach my goal, <br />But showed me how to keep holy, my soul. <br /> <br /> 6-23-2003 by Dr John Celes <br />dedicated to my most belov'd and revered Great Mother who lives a courageous life at eighty-five in an old, ramshackled, dwelling place in Coimbatore, T.N., India<br /><br />Dr John Celes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-my-mother-dear/
