Mothering Sunday - The Truth Poem by Mary Champion

Our Mothers weren't the reason it began,
essential and beloved, though they are,
but law laid down by Mother Church who ran
the world in those dark days- despotic czar.
Fourth sabbath day in Lent, it had decreed,
go back to your home parish; or to Hell -
you may be old and frail - your feet may bleed-
no regard to distance you must travel.
Attend your mother church - it had ordained;
don't question our instructions - heretic!
No sympathy for whingers who complained,
no opt outs for the crippled and the sick.

The modern version - sugary and kitsch -
devised by Mammon our new god and king -
when greetings card suppliers make their pitch
and florists raise the price of everything.