I Will Not Wear Black

Today, I will not wear black, even though I mourn.
Not today, though tradition, and a reflection of our grief.
When words fail and we cannot speak,
All that’s left is what we see.
But today, I choose to wear a different color,
Something that says I celebrate
The life that was and all the life that will be.

I wager that everyone in this room
knew my mother in one way or another.
She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother
A great friend and neighbor,
Handing out hugs like candy canes
Always caring, always sharing
Even to a stranger.

She passed down from one generation
To another, the greatest gift of gab.
It shows, even in the littlest ones.
She knew everyone and gave without thought.
Her life was all about the way she felt,
and her love and pride in all of us.

We will miss her and mourn her,
We will always love her and we
will never forget her, but she was
About the colors of the rainbow,
Light and laughter and joy,
The pot of gold for all to share.

That was who my mother was,
Not without fault, but certainly far above.
A woman well loved by all who knew her,
And that is why I will not wear black today.

By Ruth A. Souther

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