Star Letter

When my mother was ill she came from England to stay with me and my husband in Ireland, where we managed to spend many happy hours together.

One day we took her to the local Lanesborough Fair and visited an art exhibition, where we saw a gigantic painting, with an equally gigantic price tag, and my mother flippantly commented that she could paint something similar.

I bought her a canvas, thinking that when she felt better she could perhaps try her hand at painting. Sadly, she never got the chance, but I did recall her saying, “If I can’t do it – you’ll have to.”

I couldn’t bring myself to go near the easel for years. However, I’ve now finally finished my attempt at the painting, along with an accompanying poem, which I hope readers will enjoy.

Last Goodbye

For eight years that canvas stood on the easel, blank and bare,

And everything reminded her of her mother’s tender care.

She’d never done a thing like that, but knew that she must start,

To fulfil her mother’s wishes, and produce a piece of art.

She took the brushes up one day, and squeezed the paint aside

And as she painted lines and curves, she could feel her mother’s guide. Every stroke was filled with love, and often she would cry,

As her masterpiece took shape, she could say her last goodbye.

Mrs J.F., County Roscommon.

Our Star Letter will receive a Dean’s all-butter shortbread tin worth £13.69 RRP.

All other printed UK letters will win one of our famous tea caddies and a pack of loose tea. Our friends from overseas will receive an alternative prize.