Better Mother

If I could pour my heart out,
It would be a sad, sad tale.
You'd look at me consoling,
And ask, "Where did you fail?"

For I could of raised my children,
In a much, much better way.
I could of planted in the goodness,
And put it there to stay.

I could of made them happy,
And more loving to them been.
I could of shown more patience,
To every one...in ten.

I could of talked more freely,
And soothed them in their hurt.
To all their little problems,
I could of been alert.

I could of smothered them in love,
More than any other.
I could of looked deep in their eyes,
And been a better mother.


E.P. 1908 - 1989

This pitcher belonged to Mary Catherine Womack and was given to her daughter Ethel Womack Pickett, then to her daughter Marilyn Pickett Hunter, then to her daughter, then to her daughter.