In Ireland, the art of poetry is more than expression—it’s ancestry, emotion, and memory etched in lyrical lines. Few themes appear more frequently or more lovingly in Irish verse than the figure of the mother. From the soft hush of rural memories to the weight of grief and the joy of affection, the Irish have long known how to say “I love you” in verse.
This Mother’s Day, what better way to honor the woman who shaped you than with a happy Mothers Day poem crafted by one of Ireland’s literary legends?
Below are seven Irish poems that capture the spirit of motherhood—from the selfless devotion of homemakers to the subtle gestures of maternal love that linger long after our mothers are gone.
1. "Any Woman" by Katharine Tynan
I am the pillars of the house; The keystone of the arch am I. Take me away, and roof and wall Would fall to ruin me utterly.
I am the fire upon the hearth, I am the light of the good sun, I am the heat that warms the earth, Which else were colder than a stone.
At me the children warm their hands; I am their light of love alive. Without me cold the hearthstone stands, Nor could the precious children thrive.
I am the twist that holds together The children in its sacred ring, Their knot of love, from whose close tether No lost child goes a-wandering.
I am the house from floor to roof, I deck the walls, the board I spread; I spin the curtains, warp and woof, And shake the down to be their bed.
I am their wall against all danger, Their door against the wind and snow, Thou Whom a woman laid in a manger, Take me not till the children grow!
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: This happy Mothers Day poem beautifully emphasizes the strength and centrality of a mother in family life. Tynan's portrayal of a mother as the central pillar of a household makes this poem a timeless testament to maternal strength. It’s ideal if you want a happy Mothers Day poem that recognizes all the invisible labor mothers do out of love.
“I am the pillars of the house; The keystone of the arch am I...”
These lines elevate the everyday sacrifices of motherhood into something sacred and essential.
2. "In Memory of My Mother" by Patrick Kavanagh
I do not think of you lying in the wet clay Of a Monaghan graveyard; I see You walking down a lane among the poplars On your way to the station, or happily
Going to second Mass on a summer Sunday - You meet me and you say: 'Don't forget to see about the cattle - ' Among your earthiest words the angels stray.
And I think of you walking along a headland Of green oats in June, So full of repose, so rich with life - And I see us meeting at the end of a town
On a fair day by accident, after The bargains are all made and we can walk Together through the shops and stalls and markets Free in the oriental streets of thought.
O you are not lying in the wet clay, For it is a harvest evening now and we Are piling up the ricks against the moonlight And you smile up at us - eternally.
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: This happy Mothers Day poem reflects the divine hidden in the ordinary acts of a mother. Kavanagh reminisces about his mother in a deeply personal way. While it deals with memory and loss, its gentle imagery makes it a beautiful poem for those honouring mothers who’ve passed on.
“Among your earthiest words the angels stray.”
This line alone captures the divine hidden in the ordinary acts of a mother.
When all the others were away at Mass I was all hers as we peeled potatoes. They broke the silence, let fall one by one Like solder weeping off the soldering iron: Cold comforts set between us, things to share Gleaming in a bucket of clean water. And again let fall. Little pleasant splashes From each other's work would bring us to our senses.
So while the parish priest at her bedside Went hammer and tongs at the prayers for the dying And some were responding and some crying I remembered her head bent towards my head, Her breath in mine, our fluent dipping knives— Never closer the whole rest of our lives.
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: Clearances III is a memorable happy Mothers Day poem, capturing the quiet love in shared routine. In this deeply intimate sonnet from the Clearances sequence, Heaney remembers a simple, shared moment of peeling potatoes with his mother while the rest of the family was at Mass. Through this memory, he conveys the unspoken closeness between them—quiet, mutual, and profound.
“When all the others were away at Mass I was all hers as we peeled potatoes. … Her breath in mine, our fluent dipping knives— Never closer the whole rest of our lives.”
Clearances III captures the essence of maternal love not through grand gestures but in the comfort of routine, the warmth of silence, and the power of presence. It’s an unforgettable happy Mothers Day poem for those who understand how much love can live in the everyday.
4. "The Black Lace Fan My Mother Gave Me" by Eavan Boland
It was the first gift he ever gave her, buying it for five francs in the Galeries in pre-war Paris. It was stifling. A starless drought made the nights stormy.
They stayed in the city for the summer. They met in cafés. She was always early. He was late. That evening he was later. They wrapped the fan. He looked at his watch.
She looked down the Boulevard des Capucines. She ordered more coffee. She stood up. The streets were emptying. The heat was killing. She thought the distance smelled of rain and lightning.
These are wild roses, appliquéd on silk by hand, darkly picked, stitched boldly, quickly. The rest is tortoiseshell and has the reticent, clear patience of its element. It is
a worn-out, underwater bullion and it keeps, even now, an inference of its violation. The lace is overcast as if the weather it opened for and offset had entered it.
The past is an empty café terrace. An airless dusk before thunder. A man running. And no way to know what happened then — none at all — unless, of course, you improvise:
The blackbird on this first sultry morning, in summer, finding buds, worms, fruit, feels the heat. Suddenly she puts out her wing — the whole, full, flirtatious span of it.
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: This happy Mothers Day poem reminds us that the gifts mothers give aren’t always wrapped—they're woven into our memories. Boland’s poetic voice explores themes of love, memory, and feminine legacy, all embodied in a delicate fan—a symbol of grace passed down from mother to daughter.
“It was St. Valentine’s Day, And we walked that afternoon...”
This poem reminds us that the gifts mothers give aren’t always wrapped—they're often woven into our memories.
5. "Adhlacadh mo Mháthar" ("My Mother's Burial") by Seán Ó Ríordáin
Aistriúchán le Valentin Iremmonger
Grian an Mheithimh in úllghort, A June sun in an orchard, Is siosarnach i síoda an tráthnóna, A rustle in the silk of afternoon, Beach mhallaithe ag portaireacht The droning of an ill-natured bee Mar scréadstracadh ar an nóinbhrat. Loudly ripping the poem of evening.
Seanalitir shalaithe á léamh agam, Reading an old dog-earred letter, Le gach focaldeoch dár ólas With every tearful word I drank in Pian bhinibeach ag dealgadh mo chléibhse, A raging pain stabbed my side Do bhrúigh amach gach focal díobh a dheoir féin. Every word forced out its own tear.
Do chuimhníos ar an láimh a dhein an scríbhinn, I remember the hand that did the writing Lámh a bhí inaitheanta mar aghaidh, A hand as familiar as a face Lámh a thál riamh cneastacht seana-Bhíobla, A hand that dispersed kindness like an old Bible Lámh a bhí mar bhalsam is tú tinn. A hand that was like the balsam and you ill.
Agus thit an Meitheamh siar isteach sa Gheimhreadh, And June toppled backwards into Winter. Den úllghort deineadh reilig bhán cois abhann, The orchard became a white graveyard by a river. Is i lár na balbh-bháine i mo thimpeall In the midst of the dumb whiteness all around me Do liúigh os ard sa tsneachta an dúpholl, The dark hole screamed loudly in the snow.
Gile gearrchaile lá a céad chomaoine, The white of a young girl on the day of her First Communion, Gile abhlainne Dé Domhnaigh ar altóir, The white of the holy water, Sunday on the altar, Gile bainne ag sreangtheitheadh as na cíocaibh, The white of milk slowly issuing from the breasts, Nuair a chuireadar mo mháthair, gile an fhóid. When they buried my mother, the white of the sward.
Bhí m’aigne á sciúirseadh féin ag iarraidh My mind was screwing itself endeavouring An t-adhlacadh a bhlaiseadh go hiomlán, To comprehend the internment to the full. Nuair a d’eitil tríd an gciúnas bán go míonla When through the tranquility gently flew Spideog a bhí gan mhearbhall gan scáth : A robin, unconfused and unafraid.
Agus d’fhan os cionn na huaighe fé mar go mb’eol di It waited over the grave as if it knew o raibh an toisc a thug í ceilte ar chách That the reason why it came was unknown to all Ach an té a bhí ag feitheamh ins an gcomhrainn, Save the person who was waiting in the coffin Is do rinneas éad fén gcaidreamh neamhghnách. And I was jealous of the unusual affinity.
Du thuirling aer na bhFlaitheas ar an uaigh sin, The air of heaven descended on that graveside, Bhí meidhir uafásach naofa ar an éan, A marvellous holy joy possessed the bird. Bhíos deighilte amach ón diamhairghnó im thuata, I was outside the mystery, a layman, Is an uaigh sin os mo chómhair in imigéin. The grave before me in the distance.
Le cumhracht bróin do folcadh m’anam drúiseach, My debauched soul was bathed in the waters of sorrow, Thit sneachta geanmnaíochta ar mo chroí, A snow of purity fell on my heart. Anois adhlacfad sa chroí a deineadh ionraic Now I will bury my heart so made clean Cuimhne na mná d’iompair mé trí ráithe ina broinn. The memory of the woman who carried me three seasons in her womb.
Tháinig na scológa le borbthorann sluasad, The gravediggers came with the rough noise of shovels. Is do scuabadar le fuinneamh an chré isteach san uaigh, And vigorously swept the clay into the grave. D’fhéachas sa treo eile, bhí comharsa ag glanadh a ghlúine, I looked the other way, a man was brushing his knees. D’fhéachas ar an sagart is bhí saoltacht ina ghnúis. I looked at the priest, in his face was worldliness.
Grian an Mheithimh in úllghort, A June sun in an orchard, Is siosarnach i síoda an tráthnóna, A rustle in the silk of afternoon. Beach mhallaithe ag portaireacht The droning of an ill-natured bee, Mar scréadstracadh ar an nóinbhrat. Loudly ripping the film of evening.
Ranna beaga bacacha á scríobh agam, Lame little verses being written by me. Ba mhaith liom breith ar eirbeall spideoige, I would like to catch a robin’s tail. Ba mhaith liom sprid lucht glanta glún a dhíbirt, I would like to rout the spirit of those knee brushers. Ba mhaith liom triall go deireadh an lae go brónach. I would like to journey sorrowfully to the day’s end.
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: This is a deeply moving happy Mothers Day poem for those reflecting on maternal love and grief. A poignant piece that speaks directly from grief, Ó Ríordáin captures the reverent sorrow of laying one’s mother to rest.
“The sun was shining gently On the white shore...”
It’s a fitting poem for those reflecting on the eternal bond between mother and child, even beyond death.
6. "Mother" by Enda Wyley
There is a room in my head, to which you often come orchid gifts wert with rain in one hand - in the other, your love wrapped up in a cut-out newspaper piece you'd saved just for me or maybe sealed tight in irregular pots of home-made orange jam.
You come in and we quickly leave behind the thorny rose-gardens of our grown-up fights. I smooth out the creases in your gentle face I know I've often caused - while you, keeping me from the shabby coldness of this outside world, put the last stitch on my coat.
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: This happy Mothers Day poem is perfect for grown children navigating a complex but enduring love. This stunning poem paints an emotional collage of maternal love through vivid imagery and tender memories. In "Mother," Enda Wyley invites the reader into a mental sanctuary where mother and child reconnect beyond conflict and time.
This happy Mothers Day poem is perfect for grown children who share a complex, evolving love with their mothers. It acknowledges past tensions while celebrating the unwavering bond that survives them all.
7. "The Irish Mother's Lament" by Cecil Frances Alexander
“There's no one on the long white road, The night is closing o'er; O mother! cease to look abroad, And let me shut the door.
“Now here, and there, a twinkling light Comes out along the bay, The little ships lie still and white, And no one comes this way.”
She turn'd her straining eyes within, She sigh'd both long and low. “Shut up the door, take out the pin, “Then, if it must be so.
“But, daughter, set the wick alight, “And put it in the pane; “If any should come home to-night, “He'll see it through the rain.
“Nay, leave the pin beneath the latch, “If some one push the door, “Across my broken dreams I'll hear “His footstep on the floor.”
She crouch'd within the ingle nook, She spread her fingers sere, Her fail'd eyes had a far-off look, Despite her four-score year.
And if in youth they had been fair, 'Twas not the charm they had, Not the old beauty lingering there, But something weird and sad.
The daughter, in the fire-light pale, A woman grey and wan, Sat listening, while half dream, half wail, Her words went wandering on.
“O river that dost never halt “Till down beyond the bar, “Thou meet'st the breakers green and salt “That bore my lads afar.
“O sea betwixt our slighted isle “And that wide bounteous West, “That has such magic in her smile “To lure away our best,
“Bring back, bring back the guiding keel, “Bring fast the homebound ship, “Mine eyes look out, I faint to feel “The touch of hand, and lip.
“And is that land so much more fair, “So much more rich that shore “Than this, where prodigal of care “I nursed the sons I bore?
“I nursed them at my yielding breast, “I rear'd them at my knee, “They left me for the golden West, “They left me for the sea.
“With hungry heart, and eyes that strove “In vain their eyes to meet, “And all my lavish mother's love “Beat backward to my feet;
“Like that broad stream that runs, and raves, “And floweth grandly out, “But the salt billows catch its waves, “And fling them all about;
“The bitter world wash'd out my claim, “In childhood it was dear, “But youth forgets, and manhood came, “And dash'd it far and near.
“But when I think of the old time, “Soft fingers, eyes that met, “In spite of age, in spite of clime, “I wonder they forget.
“And if they live, their life is strong, “Forgotten here I die; “I question with my heart, and long, “And cannot answer why,
“Till by Christ's grace I walk in white “Where His redeemèd go, “And know the reason of God's right, “Or never care to know.
“But outbound ships come home again, “They sail 'neath sun and moon, “Put thou the candle in the pane, “They may be coming soon.”
“Calm lie the lights below the town, There's not a ship in sight; O mother! cease and lay you down, They will not come to-night.”
Why it’s perfect for Mother’s Day: This traditional happy Mothers Day poem captures longing, hope, and the timeless nature of a mother's love. Cecil Frances Alexander, renowned for hymns like "All Things Bright and Beautiful," penned this poignant poem capturing a mother's enduring hope and sorrow as she awaits her children's return. The verses resonate with the universal themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and the longing for reunion.
This classic piece beautifully encapsulates the deep emotional landscape of motherhood, making it a fitting tribute for Mother's Day.
Why Choose an Irish Poem for Mother’s Day?
Irish poetry is renowned for its lyricism, emotional depth, and reverence for familial bonds. A happy Mothers Day poem from the Emerald Isle carries with it a sense of tradition, culture, and soulful beauty. Whether you're writing a card, reciting a piece during a toast, or simply sharing a message, these verses elevate your gesture into something timeless.
FAQs About Irish Poetry for Mother’s Day
1. What makes Irish poetry unique for Mother’s Day messages? Irish poetry captures deep emotions with lyrical simplicity and natural imagery. Its musicality and heartfelt tone make it ideal for expressing gratitude and love through a happy Mothers Day poem.
2. Can I write my own Irish-style poem even if I’m not a poet? Absolutely. Focus on personal memories, Irish symbols like flowers or seasons, and honest emotion. Even a few heartfelt lines can be a powerful happy Mothers Day poem.
3. What are common themes in Irish poems about mothers? Love, loss, sacrifice, memory, and the sacred nature of everyday life. Many poems reflect the mother as the emotional and spiritual core of family life, making them perfect sources of a happy Mothers Day poem.
4. Are these poems suitable for reading aloud on Mother’s Day? Yes, they are not only emotionally rich but also beautifully written for recitation, making them perfect for toasts or readings of a happy Mothers Day poem.
5. Can I share these poems in a card or social media post? Yes—just remember to credit the original poet when sharing. These poems are powerful additions to any Mother’s Day message, especially as a happy Mothers Day poem.
6. Where can I find more Irish poetry like this? Discover more classic options for your next happy Mothers Day poem. Irish literary anthologies, and archives from universities often feature collections of classic and contemporary Irish poets—great places to discover your next happy Mothers Day poem.
Why a Happy Mothers Day Poem is the Perfect Tribute This Year
Looking for the best way to express your gratitude this Mother’s Day? A happy Mothers Day poem might be the most powerful and personal gift you can offer. Poetry has a timeless way of capturing deep emotions, and for mothers—who often do so much with so little recognition—it can be an especially touching tribute.
Whether your mother is sentimental, spiritual, witty, or reflective, there’s a happy Mothers Day poem that fits her heart and soul. From Irish literary legends to contemporary poets, these verses allow us to pause and appreciate the strength, beauty, and sacrifices of motherhood.
What Makes a Happy Mothers Day Poem Special?
A happy Mothers Day poem captures more than just a feeling—it immortalizes it. While flowers fade and chocolates disappear, the words of a heartfelt poem last forever. When you gift a poem, you’re saying, “I see you. I remember. I appreciate you.”
Especially in the Irish tradition, where poetry is woven into the very soul of culture, a happy Mothers Day poem is more than just words—it’s music, memory, and love all in one.
Different Ways to Share a Happy Mothers Day Poem
There are countless meaningful ways to share a happy Mothers Day poem with the women who matter most:
Write it inside a greeting card for a personal touch.
Include it in a framed photo of you and your mom.
Print it and wrap it with a bouquet.
Post it on social media with a loving message.
Read it aloud during a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner.
No matter how you deliver it, a happy Mothers Day poem brings emotion to the forefront and shows your mom that her love is deeply felt and remembered.
Create Your Own Happy Mothers Day Poem
Feeling inspired? You don’t have to be Yeats to write something meaningful. Here are a few quick tips to craft your own happy Mothers Day poem:
Start with a memory: Think of a time your mom made you feel safe or proud.
Use simple language: Honest words are better than fancy ones.
Add imagery: Mention things like her hands, voice, garden, favorite flower.
End with love: Always bring the emotion full circle.
You can even borrow a line or two from famous Irish poets to anchor your own creation.
Top Qualities of an Effective Happy Mothers Day Poem
Quality
Why It Matters
Emotional honesty
The poem feels real and relatable
Imagery
It paints a picture in the reader’s mind
Rhythm
Even if it doesn’t rhyme, a good flow helps
Relevance
It reflects your personal relationship
Where to Find the Right Happy Mothers Day Poem
If you’re short on time or unsure what to write, you can always choose a happy Mothers Day poem from well-known Irish writers like Seamus Heaney, Katharine Tynan, or Eavan Boland. These poets explore motherhood with tenderness, complexity, and grace.
Many of their works are free to read on sites like Poetry Foundation or through Irish literary archives. These are great places to explore if you're seeking the perfect happy Mothers Day poem.
Lasting Impact of a Happy Mothers Day Poem
Giving a happy Mothers Day poem isn’t just a once-a-year gesture—it becomes a keepsake. Moms often treasure handwritten notes and personal expressions more than material gifts. A well-chosen or well-written poem can be read and re-read for years, tucked in a drawer or framed by the bedside.
And for those whose mothers have passed, sharing or reading a happy Mothers Day poem can also be a healing ritual—honoring her memory and presence in your life.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Happy Mothers Day Poem
This Mother’s Day, go beyond the typical card or bouquet. Offer something truly meaningful—a happy Mothers Day poem that carries your love, respect, and memories. Whether borrowed from a classic or written from the heart, the right words can wrap your mother in the warmth of your gratitude.
Remember, a happy Mothers Day poem isn’t just a gesture—it’s a celebration of everything she is and all she’s done for you.
Discover more inspiration or classic Irish verses to find your next happy Mothers Day poem today!
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