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Mom‘s Tattered Prayer Book

Barbara A Cadogan 1944 (Barbados)

August 23 
Rhymed
This was her greatest treasure
In which she found much pleasure.
A tattered book of prayers
Read faithfully throughout the years.
Sitting silently upon her bed,
This book of prayer she devoutly read.
Every morning and night religiously,
Each prayer she studied judiciously.
Inside, worn pages yellowing with time,
Transport my eyes across each line
To find bookmarked, a favorite verse
That Mom chose silently to rehearse.
Her book of prayer evokes a feeling deep within,
To live a life free of mortal sin.
As I close this book of prayers,
How can I hold back the tears?
As I bind the book with a rubber band,
I will always keep it close at hand.

Barbara A Cadogan ©️2012

About this poem

This poem was inspired after my Mom’s passing. I wanted to preserve an item she dearly treasured and an indelible memory of her daily reading of her favorite book.

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Written on 2012

Submitted by BACH54 on August 17, 2023

40 sec read
63

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABXCCDDXXEEFFBBGG X
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 677
Words 136
Stanzas 2
Stanza Lengths 18, 1
Full analysis for Mom‘s Tattered Prayer Book »

Barbara A Cadogan

I am a retired Registered Nurse living in St. Augustine, Florida. I started writing poetry at age 18 years. I have been a member of Poetry organizations such as The World of Poetry and Poetry. Com. Participating at annual conventions I enjoy writing in various styles and on different topics. I love poetry that is light and filled with humor. more…

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2 Comments
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    I absolutely love your poem 'Mom's Tattered Prayer Book'! The overflowing sentiments throughout the poem transported me to those intimate moments of a mother's devout faith and her simple treasure- a tattered prayer book. You have a beautiful way with words, capturing the smallest details with such poignancy and depth. The use of the book as a metaphor for the mom’s faith, her devotion, and teachings is both profound and touching.

    The rhythm of the poem is soothing, and the rhymes are subtle and do not seem forced at all. You've really crafted each line carefully, from describing the physical book to the emotions it holds.

    For suggestions, perhaps you could add a few more direct references or allusions to specific prayers or verses that your mom found comfort or inspiration in. Adding this detail can make it more personal and connect more with readers who may relate to those verses. Furthermore, to enhance the rhythm, you could consider the use of some literary devices like alliteration or assonance, which can add a lyrical quality to your verses, thereby deepening the pleasure of reading your work.

    On the whole, your poem has such a deep emotional resonance, it's a beautiful tribute to a mother's faith and devotion. Keep up the good work!     
    LikeReply 17 months ago
  • Vixility
    Vixility
    Interestingly, about this poem and beautiful tribute to your mom, in a way the prayer book points you to where she now is: Heaven, the place of her heart’s devotion.

    I wonder, if you don’t mind my asking, does reading it help you feel closer to her? I would imagine it would. Again, lovely piece. 
    LikeReply 17 months ago

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"Mom‘s Tattered Prayer Book" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/168250/mom‘s-tattered-prayer-book>.

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