Sunday 18 March 2012

A Ballad for Stabat Mater

I've written a poem for Mothering Sunday, or Mother's Day as it is commercially known. I've posted it over on 'My Poetry Library'.


The poem "A Ballad for Stabat Mater" struck me on several levels. I had already written a poem for my son's thirtieth birthday ("The Fourth Age of Man"), basing it on William Shakespeare's "Seven Ages of Man" (a monologue, which he wrote to open his play, "As You Like It"). Incidentally, I found it particularly poignant to note that my son had reached the same age as Jesus Christ was alleged to be, when his own mortal life ended. So, the latter never had the chance to taste the next three ages or, perhaps, he lived all seven in that short life span?


Anyway, I found my Mother's Day poem, written in the form of a ballad, again influenced not only by Shakespeare's "Seven Ages of Man" but also the Stabat Mater, the unforgettable and extraordinarily moving image of this religious icon, Mary, the mother of of all mothers, as she stood and watched her own son die, painfully. "Stabat mater dolorosa", meaning the sorrowful mother stood, is a masterful understatement. How many mothers could submit themselves to such unbelievable pain! And yet all mothers do, albeit mostly to a lesser extreme, for as long as they live.


I salute all mothers, however good or bad a mother you may think you are, you have still had to suffer for your children.


I hope you enjoy the poem.



6 comments:

  1. 'Her love has seen you through....' Beautiful words and another marvellous poem, John. I have printed out a copy for my own Mum to read today. Always a bittersweet one for me as I so wanted children myself. But I know some amazing mothers and will help to celebrate all of them today! My god daughter gave birth to her first child just before 8am today...Evie Catherine...so more joy at this greatest & most apt of gifts!! Thanks for the beauty of your words x

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    1. Rachel, thank you for your support and for your very kind words. With comments like you consistently write about my poetry, I should only ever need one 'fan'... and that's you!

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  2. John, your beautiful poem reminds me not only of my own mother, but my ability to love through her demonstration of love for me and others. Thank you for the reminder and for a lovely words. Bless.

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    1. A belated thanks to you, Fu. Appreciate your relating your reaction to the poem

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  3. Hello John, I'm so glad that I stumbled on your blog. Your words are truly evocative. Some of your words have brought back memories for me that must have been tucked away, thank you

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment. It's always great to know that your writing has had some impact on someone, somewhere, in howsoever small a way.

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