Poetry Corner
Our Mothers
Lisnagelvin Women’s Group
We talked of inspirational women, We thought of quite a lot We searched within our community, but agreement was not got
For the woman we held valuable was not famous, rich or known for she was all our mothers, the power behind the throne
So this poem is about our mothers the group they played their part for our words are read with passion and came directly from our heart
For a Mother's love is something that no one can explain, it is made of deep devotion and real sacrifice and pain
Mother, you’ve always been there always by our side. Holding us up continually, while looking on with pride.
Mother you’re the women that we treasure and adore.
You taught us almost everything and also so much more.
Now as our mothers are ageing and in their Later years, we’re happy to do the caring and easing all their fears.
We are honoured and are privileged to repay and do our part, as our mothers did for all of us, right from the very start
For all our sleeping mothers, we shed a massive tear Memories in abundance, wishing she was here.
So our mums were influential a true leader to us all she shaped our lives continually, solved problems, big and small
Our mothers, they were always there, listening, advising and full of care.
The older we got, the more we knew, our mother's love was sincere and true.
‘Where is Mo Mowlam’s Statue?’
Mo was the first woman to become Secretary of State for N.I In 1997 it was surely a poisoned chalice as The Troubles raged on.
Yet Mo accepted the challenge Her mission was to make a peace that would list, An end to The Troubles, an impossible task.
But Mo was a different kind of peace maker. She was a risk taker, a face to face talker. No fancy words or broken promises, she told the truth.
No said Mo, this has gone on too long, Together we can right the wrong. Your youth are carrying your baggage and it’s weighing them down. How can they fly with bricks in their hands and guns on their streets? We must talk of peace.
Where is Mo Mowlam’s statue?
So Mo played smart, she invited everyone to play a part. She asked Unionists what do you want? She asked Nationalists what do you want?
Then down to the business of brokering a peace, In N.I. a peace that would last was Mo’s defining task.
In talks we were told she was able And she would often bang her fist on the table.
Aye she was fiery, feisty, not everyone liked that she spoke her mind And left nobody behind. Oft in frustration she flung off her wig, Showed a bald head, didn’t give a fig.
Her illness was rarely mentioned. Mo had other intentions, the prize she sought was the peace the brought. She was a force to be reckoned with, Had a get-on-with-it attitude
And called difficult people ‘babe’ and other choice names.
Mo had heart and definitely played a major part And brokered a peace not perfect peace for there is still work to do.
We wish Mo was here to get us out of this stalemate and once again start the debate, yet the day of the signing in April 98, Mo was heard to say to her
colleague Bill Clinton – have you not heard today I am the tea lady.
I ask where is Mo Mowlam’s statue?
So today we pay tribute to Mo and to all the strong women Who stand out in the crowd and do us proud Though they continue to be written out of history,
We will remember them and speak of the deeds.