Submitted By: John "The Beloved" Ajewole

Mama, mother, mommy and mom, thank you so much.
Meekness is what you taught me to be a virtue true,
Mercy you have shown me even for the wrongs I do,
Motivating me to work even when I am down.

Obedience is what I observed in your life with daddy,
Openhanded you've been to those who lack.
Optimistic about my future even when I was about to turn back,
Observing me daily, you know my likes and dislikes.

Trustworthy you are, I can always count on you.
Thank you that you did not leave me in reckless abandon.
Thorough you are, you hate things half done,
Truthful you are, you know and can tell my faults and strengths.

Honesty is what you taught me even to the last coin. In
Helping others, you said I am also helping myself.
Happiness was the best thing I found on your bookshelf. In
Honoring others, you said I'm also honoring myself.

Encouraging me is what you take delight in doing,
Endearing to me is the state of your heart.
Earnestness you taught me in my work and play,
Effectiveness and efficiency, always being on time.

Respect is what I learnt as you taught me "Yes Mom",
Righteousness, you said must be towards God and man.
Reserved, not hasty for the best or worst, you said I'll
Realize my goals only if I persist.

On this your special day
I wish you all the happiness and joy it brings,
And even if all I could do was give you a telephone ring
Mama, mother, mommy and ma'am
All I just wanted to say was that I love you so much.

© John "The Beloved" Ajewole - May 11, 2002