Friday Poems: The Courage That My Mother Had

In honor of our beautiful Oma, I searched high and low for a poem to share today. I started with the obvious grief and funeral poems but they did not ring true for me about Oma. She was a fierce, feisty, fun and complicated lady. She was highly artistic, resourceful and opinionated.

As I read poem after poem, I was guided by two things: gratitude for knowing her and respect for her strength throughout her entire life.

The Courage That My Mother Had

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

The courage that my mother had
Went with her, and is with her still:
Rock from New England quarried;
Now granite in a granite hill.

The golden brooch my mother wore
She left behind for me to wear;
I have no thing I treasure more:
Yet, it is something I could spare.

Oh, if instead she'd left to me

The thing she took into the grave! —
That courage like a rock, which she
Has no more need of, and I have.


Dear Oma,

I know you absolutely hated it when I aimed my camera your way, but it was so worth it! Every single image that I have of you now was worth your anger in the moment. You were beautiful and I wish I had more years to absorb your wisdom and creativity in life.

Love,
Your Grandaughter-in-Law