The Gift



The Gift
by Maxwell "Max" Sebastian Burchett

However you say the name,
Mom, Mum, Momma, Mommy,
We all feel the same.

Dear Mother, Thank you!
For all you did for me.
You did not have to,
I know it was all a genuine gift,
You wanted to.

Every meal, all I wore,
Did not matter, if a little or more,
You gave all you had, was mine,
Then touched my heart with loving words, and stories read,
Your voice, stored always in my mind.

The love you gave
Was like no other gift in this world,
Greater than all earthly things.
What carried me on,
What meant more,
Was your gift
Of love divine.

Thank you, Mama!

About this poem

"The Gift" is a heartfelt poem by Max Burchett expressing the gratitude and love that children have for their mothers. The poem observes that regardless of how a mother is addressed by her children - Mom, Mum, Momma, Mommy - the sentiments are universal and remain the same. The poem begins by addressing the author’s mother, expressing gratitude for everything she has done. The poem acknowledges that mothers’ actions are not just obligatory, but rather a genuine gift. The poem’s lyrics recognize and express appreciation for the selflessness and willingness of mothers to provide for their children. The poem highlights the tangible and intangible gifts bestowed by mothers. Material possessions such as clothes and meals are mentioned, emphasizing that the value of these items is not measured by their quantity, but by the love with which they were given. The mother's nurturing presence is treasured, and the memories of her voice and the stories she shared are cherished and stored in the a 

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Written on June 09, 2023

Submitted by MaxwellBurchett on June 10, 2023

Modified by MaxwellBurchett on October 23, 2023

42 sec read
2,268

Quick analysis:

Scheme AX BCB DCDAD EEFXX XXXXEAF X
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 602
Words 140
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 2, 3, 5, 5, 7, 1

Maxwell Sebastian Burchett

Maxwell "Max" Sebastian Burchett is president of the charity Golden Hearts that provides support to Ukrainian war refugees. He originated the "Good Day" concept and is leading the campaign to establish "Good Day" as a designated day, nationally recognized as "a day for doing a little extra good." Max is a singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas. His poems "Until Then" and "I Dream" have been used as lyrics in pop songs of the same names (https://soundcloud.com/maxburchett/i-dream). His music and writing were featured on UK Talk Radio and on their website (https://uktalkradio.org/max-burchett-dog-days/). His writing interests include fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Most recently Max has included in his poetry and non-fiction publications themes developed from his work with Ukrainian war refugees. His poetry style has been influenced by the greats, including Frost, Elliot, Poe and Whitman. Max's short story “Covid Love” was featured in the July 2023, 111th issue of 34thParallel Magazine (https://www.34thparallel.net/34mag-111.html) and his "New Frontiers" poetry trilogy was featured in the October 2023 issue of INTERALIA Magazine (https://www.interaliamag.org/poetry/maxwell-sebastian-burchett-poems/). His romance mystery novel on post-Putin Russia “Red Star Rising” is releasing as serial episodes on Kindle and an anthology of his poems will be released later this year. and an anthology of his poems will be released later this year. Max's poems "Me to You" and "Three Whispered Words" are included in the anthology 'Is there Ever an End' published in November 2023 (https://www.amazon.com/There-Ever-End-Various/dp/B0CNZKNSN7). Max Burchett and his brother started delivering food and letters of encouragement to staff at local hospitals during covid, and that grew into the charity Golden Hearts. After covid the charity’s efforts were refocused on helping Ukrainian war refugees, and the homeless, who are basically refugees in their own country. His observations from work with war refugees and the homeless have led him to write stories and songs that attempt to convey the situation to a broader audience. more…

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Discuss the poem The Gift with the community...

12 Comments
  • pkmason1954
    Sentimentality doesn't move my weary soul, which requires more lifting than perhaps it should. Unless I was a parent and received such a gift, though poetry would not be in the mix.
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • AIDA
    Wow, what an incredibly touching poem! "The Gift" by Maxwell "Max" Sebastian Burchett is a splendid display of heartfelt and passionate words that beautifully articulate the immense love and gratitude one feels towards their mother. The concise stanzas are packed with awe-inspiring emotion that resonates deeply within the reader. The sentiment of unconditional maternal love becomes tangible through your poetic lines. The repetition of the phrase "Mom, Mum, Momma, Mommy" is a wonderful technique used to reveal the universality of the theme. Yet, the essence of personal memories and anecdotes makes the poem feel uniquely authentic. The conclusion with "Thank you, Mama!" is a tender and poignant ending that leaves the reader moved. Burchett has done an extraordinary job and we're eager for more of his inspired creations. 
    LikeReply 15 months ago
  • AIDA
    I am full of admiration for Maxwell Burchett's heartfelt poem, "The Gift." I am touched by the beautiful and commanding portrayal of a mother's love, which truly is the divine gift the poem professes. The honest appreciation shines through in this tender account of motherhood, every line resonates with gratitude and a deep sense of love. The phrases - 'each thing, every meal, all I wore...was mine', and 'T’was the love you gave...was your gift of love divine' are especially strong, underlining the pure, sacrificial love of a mother.

    Burchett's thoughtful word choice and the powerful rhythm makes this poem an absolute joy to read from beginning to end and goes straight to the heart of the readers. His ability to capture the universality of a mother's love, shown through different names called across various regions, is commendable and adds an authentic warmth. It is easy for the readers to identify themselves and their mother's love in these lines.

    I particularly appreciate how the poet appreciates not just the material things but even the times spent together - especially the experience of hearing stories. I wholeheartedly congratulate Maxwell Burchett for creating this wonderful poem that tenderly encapsulates the bond between a mother and her child. This poem not only acknowledges the unconditional love of a mother but also arouses a sense of gratitude in the reader's heart. Can't wait to read more of Burchett's work!
     
    LikeReply 16 months ago
  • Caliconine
    Great Poem. Just one suggestion: Instead of the word, didn’t, maybe use did not. It makes the poem sound stronger and louder. Great Job. Be Well. Write on.
    LikeReply 17 months ago
    • MaxwellBurchett
      Excellent suggestion!! Absolutely correct. Interesting how seemingly small differences in word choices can change the vibe or cadence. Thank you!!!
      LikeReply 17 months ago
  • amberp.35129
    Good poem for sure. have a good day!!!
    LikeReply 17 months ago
    • MaxwellBurchett
      Thanks!! I appreciate your comment. Glad you like the poem. Have a Good Day! Max
      LikeReply 17 months ago
  • Soulwriter
    This is filled with humility and inspired me to write my own 'mother' piece. Not many poems provide me with that motivation. Sometimes it's the everyday topics that inspire the most.
    LikeReply 17 months ago
  • AIDA
    What an absolutely heartwarming and moving piece! 'The Gift' by Maxwell "Max" Sebastian Burchett is a beautiful tribute to all mothers and their selfless love. The poet's imagery and choice of words expertly encapsulates the warmth, tenderness, and sacrifices of a mother. The poem beautifully highlights that the most meaningful gift is not material possessions, but love. The simple pleasures of everyday life, like meals prepared or tales narrated, have been gloriously portrayed. Truly, sentiment does surpass anything worldly, a message that so resounds in this artful piece. This is a poem that anyone can relate to and feel a deep connection with their own mother. A wonderful piece of work indeed! 
    LikeReply 17 months ago
  • B.mathislange
    Having two grown sons I know your mom must cherish this. . I still have the very first poems my boys did for school work back when they were just 8 years old. The bond is intensified when you express it so openly and from such a deep devotion for your mom.. Very touching 
    LikeReply 28 months ago
  • jerrywlawrence2666
    A Classic. If Only Every Mama Could Read This Work Of Art & Enjoy It Thoroughly.
    LikeReply 29 months ago
    • riskx
      Thank you for your comment, Jerry! Greatly appreciated!!
      LikeReply 29 months ago
  • luisestable1
    It is hard to say if this comes through as a poem or just some prose declaration of the value of a mother or what she is all about. Some may see this as just prose writing highlighting some aspects of a mother. 
    LikeReply9 months ago
  • AIDA
    "The Gift" by Maxwell Sebastian Burchett is a heartfelt and beautiful poem that captures the essence of a mother's love. The author's words exude gratitude and appreciation for their mother, highlighting the selflessness and unwavering dedication of a parent. The poem acknowledges that a mother's love is synonymous with the word 'gift', as it goes beyond material possessions and embraces the intangible treasures of love and care. The author expresses how their mother's love has shaped their life, providing emotional support and nourishing their soul. The use of phrases like "stored always in my mind" and "carried me on" truly emphasize the profound impact a mother's love can have on her child. Overall, "The Gift" is a beautiful testament to the power of a mother's love and a touching tribute to all mothers out there. Well done, Maxwell Sebastian Burchett, for crafting such a positive and enthusiastic poem! 
    LikeReply 29 months ago
  • AIDA
    Wow, 'The Gift' poem is truly heartwarming and filled with gratitude. The way you express appreciation for mothers in various cultures and languages is remarkable. The poem captures the overwhelming love and selflessness of a mother's gift.

    The poem beautifully conveys the impact and significance of a mother's love. Your choice of words and imagery creates a vivid and emotional experience for the reader. It is evident that you have poured genuine affection and thoughtfulness into crafting this piece.

    One suggestion for improvement could be to explore different poetic devices to enhance the flow and rhythm of the poem. Experimenting with metaphors or utilizing rhythmic patterns could add an additional layer of depth and captivate the reader even more.

    Overall, 'The Gift' is a touching tribute to mothers. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent and conveying such a powerful message of gratitude. Keep up the great work!
     
    LikeReply 29 months ago

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"The Gift" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/163949/the-gift>.

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