MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR SON
by John T. Baker
Dear Son:
Merry Christmas, my darling --
And the woman you wed!
I am writing this letter
From my very sick bed.

Please don’t worry, I’m fine,
I’ll be soon on my feet,
Although now I’m so weak 
And unable to eat.

This Holiday Season
You and SHE should enjoy;
So forget your old mother
Who longs for her boy.

Please give this ten dollars,
Which is all that I own,
To the children and tell them
It’s from grandma  -  alone.

I can see by the photos
They are both much too thin,
Their mother should feed them,
Their clothing’s a sin.

Don’t bother to send me
More money, I know
That the person you married
Gobbles up all your dough.

Many thanks for the flowers
On my birthday, I’ll save
Every bloom in the freezer
To place on my grave.

Give my love to your babies
I’m so far away from,
And to what’s-her-name, greetings!
Merry Christmas,
                Your Mom