Legacy

My mother left me lovely things:
The orisons of birds,
The hushes soliloquies of leaves,
The silent peace of herds.

She willed me gossamers of song
And taught me when to pray;
She had the courage -- tranquil, sure --
That I could use today.

But, oh, the gift I cherish most
In all her legacy --
The depth of love she had, to give
His mother's name to me.

~ Mary Carlier