This is my mother’s earth

Except it is not

This is the earth where she was planted nurtured raised and grew

This is the earth where she blossomed

Threw out a shoot watched it flower

And that was me

This is my mother’s earth

Where she has been tried and tested

Through all seasons she has been weathered

Battered and worn

This is my mother’s earth

But not the one she knew

The one of hand me downs and make do and mend

Carry on regardless of all other ends

This is my mothers earth where she once walked

The catwalk in evening gowns and dresses

Of twin tubs and rubber gloves

Of home-made steak and kidney pudding

Of coal fires

Single glazing

Buses with conductors

And trains that ran on time

This is my mother’s earth

But not one she can easily recognise

With music and politics, she can’t fathom

Computers tablets and mobile phones

None of which she understands

This is my mother’s earth

To which one day she will return