12th October 2006

I was asked by mum to say some things on this my saddest day,

But for someone whose mum is lost to them, there are no words to say,

My mum was self-effacing; she didn't want fame or wealth,

And if she was here right now, she'd say, "Talk about someone else",

I know, you know, she knew; how much we really care,

But I didn't just want to say the same as the priest stood over there,

I don't want to say how great she was because everybody knows,

I wanted to write a poem for her. And this is how it goes:

Look upon the sky tonight, you’ll find a brand new star,

Cutting through the darkness from a distance that's quite far,

Shining brightly through the pitch; this brand new blazing sun,

And as I was the finder; I've decided to name it "Mum",

A little word that means so much to every soul on Earth,

A word that ignores creed and race, yet doesn't know its worth,

A word with just three letters that says more than any other,

A word that sounds less personal when you lengthen it to mother,

A name I felt quite fitting as it's memorable by all,

A name that stands for love and trust; we learn from when we're small,

A name that stands for something great and no matter where we roam,

The name comes into play again; because it also stands for home,

A name that stands for caring; like a plaster from the pain,

A name that stands for shelter; like an umbrella from the rain,

A name that stands for an open heart, no matter where we are,

A name that stands for guidance: all good meanings for that star.

My mum now is like that star and during daylight when it's gone,

We must remember, beyond the clouds, that little star shines on,

And knowing that it's still there with its rather special link,

Means no matter how far the distance; it’s closer than we think.

That isn't a perfect poem saying how I really feel,

Because within me is an emptiness I know will never heal,

But it conjures up a lovely image for when I'm lonely for my ma,

I can look up at the sky and say "Oh, hi, Mum... There you are!"