Hey, remember back in school when Mother’s Day rolled around and we had zero money, zero ideas, and like… zero skills to pull off anything Pinterest-worthy? Yup, those were the days. Your classmates were out here gluing macaroni on construction paper while you were panicking because your “gift” was just a slightly wrinkled poem you wrote during recess.
But somehow… mom always loved it.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and honor those years with something a little more polished (but still straight from the heart). Whether you’re celebrating your mom, grandma, or someone who’s like a mom to you, here are some of the best poems to reflect on this Mother’s Day—perfect for sending, reading out loud, or scribbling into a card like you used to in 4th grade (minus the glitter explosion).
1. “Mother” by Gabriela Mistral
A classic with all the emotional punch.
Gabriela Mistral, Chilean poet and queen of heartfelt verses, wrote this gem that captures the sweetness, peace, and strength of a mother’s love. If you want to read something tender that might make your mom tear up mid-brunch, this is it.
“Mother, you are peace and sweetness,
your eyes are the sky of my childhood…”
It’s that kind of poem where even your grumpy uncle will go, “Wow, that was beautiful.”
2. “To My Mother” by Pablo Neruda
Yes, that Pablo Neruda. The guy known for fiery love poems also had a soft spot for his mom. In this piece, he speaks from the heart about her presence—even after she’s gone. It’s deep, raw, and reflective. Perfect for those of us who are missing Mom a little extra this year.
“Mother, you will never be alone in your cold sheets:
I am with you.”
Oof. Right in the feels.
3. “Only One Mother” by George Cooper
This poem keeps it simple and real—just like moms do. It’s short, sweet, and to the point: there’s only one mother, and she’s irreplaceable. This one’s great if you’re looking for a meaningful message that even younger kids can read out loud.
“Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
But only one mother the wide world over.”
Cue the “aww” from the whole room.
4. “My Mother” by Ann Taylor
Old-school but still gold. This 19th-century poem has that gentle, bedtime-story rhythm that makes you feel like a little kid again—safe, loved, and maybe a little nostalgic for the days when Mom picked out your clothes and cut the crust off your sandwiches.
“Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My mother.”
Guaranteed to melt hearts. Or at least make your siblings feel a little guilty for not calling her more often.
5. “Poem for My Mother” by Mario Benedetti
Benedetti always hits the sweet spot between simple and soul-touching. This one is not overly flowery or dramatic—just a quiet, honest reflection of how moms are always there, even when we forget to say thank you.
“She’s always there,
even when I don’t look.”
Short. Powerful. Perfect.
BONUS: The Homemade Poem (DIY Like the Good Ol’ Days)
Let’s be real—no poem ever beats the one you wrote yourself with a blue marker and half a rhyme. So in case you’re feeling creative (or desperate), here’s a sample you can totally steal tweak for your own card:
Dear Mom,
thanks for the love, the hugs, the advice,
and for not losing your mind when I broke the rice cooker twice.
You’re the reason I survived childhood (and high school),
and also why I know I should always carry snacks.
I love you more than coffee,
more than pizza,
even more than the snooze button.
Happy Mother’s Day.
It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real.
Final Thoughts:
Mother’s Day isn’t about the fanciest gift or the prettiest bouquet. It’s about celebrating the woman who taught you how to walk, how to be kind, and how to heat up tortillas properly.
If you’ve got a mom (or someone who’s been like a mom to you), tell her how much she means to you. And if you can do it with a poem—whether it’s by Neruda or just your own messy, loving words—then do it.
Because perfume fades, breakfast gets cold,
but a heartfelt poem?
That lasts forever.