What’s fit for the birthday of the one
Who gave her own life to give me mine;
Who labored that I might see the world
And enjoy the kiss of the sunshine;

Who was my very first teacher,
Teaching me love through tender care,
By feeding me and changing diapers,
Putting me to sleep rubbing my hair;

Who strained her back to pick me up;
Who tickled my feet and rib cage;
Who gave me butterfly kisses;
Who wrote on my mind’s blank page

The impressions of ethics and morals
And the lessons none else could teach;
Who fostered my language and learning,
And taught me my goals were in reach;

Who cared for me more than herself,
And encouraged me to be the best;
Who was my emotional pillar;
Whose genes gave me strength and zest;

Who loved me when unlovable,
And was my friend continuously;
Whose greatest possible happiness
Was to find me fully happy;

Who tended me when I was sick
And healed my wounds with her kiss;
Who worked hard to provide shelter,
Clothing, food, and the whole list

Of basic needs; Who took the time
To scare monsters and demons away;
Who answered my questions faithfully
And taught me how to pray;

Who’ll never give up on me,
Despite my worst attitude?
Is there a gift that I can give
To express a lifetime of gratitude?

Shall I buy her a Wal-Mart gift card?
Will a trinket or bauble suffice?
How about cheap perfume located
Near thoughtless gift sets of Old Spice?

Maybe she’d like some plastic flowers
Or a cheap cubic zirconia ring?
Even if I spent a million dollars,
I’d miss the most important thing:

She doesn’t care what gifts I buy,
Though the thought will make her smile,
Instead she only wants to know
My life is heading somewhere worthwhile.

She wants to know that I’m progressing,
Building self-confidence and esteem,
For the greatest gift to give a mother
Is knowing her child’s reached his dream.