My Mom Knew How to Laugh

—for Mary Mraz Culleny

so, yes, my mom knew how to laugh
so, yes, my mom had birthed eleven

so, yes, mom knew that life could chaff
so, yes, mom had tried to even

out our ruts, to smooth our paths
so, yes, she worked with what was given

so, yes, she prayed at home and mass
so each of us would not be riven

when she lacked confidence or cash
so, yes, the love she gave was equal

so, yes, she strove to share that way
so each of us might be a sequel

of generosity and humor
that might last and play
and play

Jim Culleny
5/8/22