Glen DeBoard: Poem to my Mother: 1987

Willard and Beatrice Leatha Kilgore DeBoard

Willard was a miner in the Princess Elkhorn Mines at David, Kentucky. Beatrice DeBoard lived both on Middle Creek and in David as a coal camp homemaker and mother.

April 15, 1987
This poem, in memory of our mother, Beatrice Leatha Kilgore DeBoard, was written by sister Brenda Deloris DeBoard Erdell, who also read it at Mom's funeral. Every time I read this poem it moves me. Glen DeBoard

MOM
She stood firm when she disagreed
She didn't give an inch, our Grannie Bee
She had limitless capacity to love, and
I feel she still does, from above

She puts her needs last every time
If all did, it would be sublime

Her words were simple but carried an impact.
she told it straight to you, and that's a fact

Her touch was truly a gift
More than once she gave our hearts a lift.
As she prayed in the closet on her knees,
she asked God to watch over her babies.
She loved each of her children in a different way
Because she knew we all had something different to say

Her heart grieved deeply when she thought we were lost
And she was determined to help at any cost

If you were trying she’d give you her last dime
If you weren’t trying she’d kick you in the behind

We owe our Mother more than we can possibly say
And there is only one way to possible repay

When we do that, we can allow ourselves to rest
And that is to embrace life with our very best

Our best is a cheerful smile, a helping hand
And a forgiving heart
And the courage to speak our piece.
And the courage to do our part.


Brenda