Mother’s Day

by Christina Rossetti

Today's your natal day,

Sweet flowers I bring;

Mother, accept, I pray,

My offering.

And may you happy live,

And long us bless;

Receiving as you give

Great happiness.

Rossetti was a 19th century poet who influenced Virginia Woolf and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Devoted to her mother, Francis, Rossetti dictated her first poem to her before she had even learned to write.

Mothers give us great happiness, so let us celebrate them in as many ways as possible! I have noticed over the years that books are a much more popular gift for Father’s Day than Mother’s Day. Is that because women, who buy the majority of books in Canada, also buy the majority of gifts for Father's Day? Perhaps we believe that flowers and food are what our mothers would most appreciate, resulting in an annual bombardment of bouquets and brunch!

This year, avoid cliche and grab your mama an exciting novel, an adventurous cookbook, a dreamy travelogue or a companion guide to her favourite activity - then listen to her read her favourite bits over quiche and mimosas!