I remember like it was yesterday

The day that I left home

Dad came over sad and serious

But I was keen to roam

It fell to Mom

As it always did

To smooth over life’s hard knocks

With undies, towels and sheets she had

Packed a kind of glory box

And stuffed in there with

Meticulous care

Were the rations for the week

And a plain, plump little envelope

With instructions not to speak.

Some pots, a pan

Some coffee mugs

Toaster with plastic handles, blue

A smallish set of eatin’ iron

And sufficient plates

To feed myself

And one or two mates too.

We packed Dad’s car

And off we set

Heading for the Inner West

A rented room with Janice B

Was where I’d take my rest.

And now it comes to Mother’s Day

Remembering Mom’s loving care

Through all the years since I cut loose

As solid as a rock for me

My Mom’s always been there.

I’ll ne’er forget the words she said that day that I left home

“Take extra care,

My darling son

With girlfriends

When they’re cranky

Comb your hair

And brush your teeth

And always take a hanky”