Mother’s Day weekend prompts reflections on our mothers, regardless of whether they are alive or have passed away.
I was deeply touched by the poem “Don’t Cry for Me” by A.S. Nelmes, as it brought to mind memories of our mum.
The poem reminded me of my mother’s thoughts and feelings when our youngest brother, Ivan, passed away in 2010. I also thought of other mothers during their moments of losing a loved one.
Although titled “Don’t Cry for Me,” the poignant verses bring me to tears as I reflect and reminisce, yet I feel completely comforted.
Please read “Don’t Cry for Me” below and tell me what you think.
I value the annual Bookarama organised by the Oamaru Rotary, as it is where I discovered a copy of A.S. Nelmes’ “Original Poems of the Past,” which I consider a collector’s item.
Last Saturday, my wife and I went to the Bookarama, an annual fundraiser that sells second-hand books, and there might be a few new ones.
As I often seek out history and literature by local writers at book sales, I was particularly drawn to the staple-bound yellow booklet in the Poetry section.
I asked Google (Gemini 3.1) about “A.S. Nelmes,” and it said, “Allan Stanley Nelmes (1915–2010) was a New Zealand writer and poet whose work often focused on the local history and personal reflections of the Canterbury region” (Google, 2026).
As a lover of prose and poetry, I bought it without hesitation for a dollar. 🙂
The copy I have is likely one of the original editions published in Timaru in 1984. It was previously owned by a couple from Waimate and features Allan’s original signature on the flyleaf.
I hope “Don’t Cry for Me” touched your hearts and minds in many ways.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
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