I got a message from my mother

Passed on by my brother

Soon before she died she broke down and cried and said,

'Son, I've got something to say'

He could plainly see she was missing me

And her heart in disarray

She said, 'I don't have long so be sure to tell your brother

What you hear today'

'I tried so hard to love him

Every way I could

I did the best I can to help him understand

What it means to be a better man'

'He's a better man

But doesn't always show it'

'He's a better man'

'He's a better man

And doesn't always know it'

'But he's a better man'

So listen to your mother

When you have the chance

Treat her kind and with respect

No matter the circumstance

I don't have long

So go and tell your brother

Won't you tell him for me?

He's a better man

And in his heart he knows it

But he has to believe

He's a better man

Go and tell your brothers

Tell your sisters and Pa

He's a better man

There's no doubt about it

Thanks to the love of his Ma

© RDBrooks 2015

Cover art: 'The Virgin and Child With Angel' - originally thought to be by Francesco Francia (circa 1490) but was recently determined by experts that the true artist is unknown.