Mom Knows Best
A heartfelt collection of poems that reflect a mother’s wisdom, love, and guidance through every stage of life.
Updated April 14, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
A mother’s wisdom is not always understood in the moment, but over time, we begin to see just how true her words were. These poems reflect the quiet strength, guidance, and love that mothers give so freely each day. From caring for little ones to offering advice that stays with us for life, a mother’s influence is deep and lasting. As you read, may you be reminded of the many ways your mom has shaped your journey, often in ways only time can fully reveal.
Nobody Knows But Mother
How many buttons are missing today?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many playthings are strewn in her way?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many thimbles and spools has she missed?
How many burns on each fat little fist?
How many bumps to be cuddled and kissed?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many hats has she hunted today?
Nobody knows but Mother.
Carelessly hiding themselves in the hay -
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many handkerchiefs willfully strayed?
How many ribbons for each little maid?
How for her care can a mother be paid?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many muddy shoes all in a row?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many stockings to darn, do you know?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many little torn aprons to mend?
How many hours of toil must she spend?
What is the time her day's work shall end?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many cares does a mother's heart know?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many joys from her mother love flow?
Nobody knows but Mother.
How many prayers for each little white bed?
How many tears for her babes has she shed?
How many kisses for each curly head?
Nobody knows but Mother.
Just One Little Day
Why pick out just one little day
That to our memories may recall,
The one who did the most for us
And we love best of all?
Let's make every day her day
None different than the others,
For everything we have today
Is by her birthright mother's.
She is your pal, our greatest friend -
You'll never find one better,
If you're away sit down today
And write your Ma a letter.
Don't simply say "I'm feeling fine
And hope you are the same."
Show her that every word you write
from down your best heartthrob came.
Far better than any letter -
If you're not too far away -
Make your plan so you can
All day with mother stay.
To you who still have mother
There's just one thing to say,
You have a wonderful treasure
But she'll be gone some day.
So I've ordered a wreath of roses
Tied with heavy golden twine
To place on her grave in memory
Of that dear old mother of mine.
Remember The Days
I remember the days
When I wished Mom away
Her advice seemed silly to me
Oh, I wished she would leave me be.
But then a Mother I did become
And Mom's advice didn't seem so dumb
Oh, if only my kids would listen to me
It would make their life more easy.
Now a Grandma, I see the test
That Mom, in fact, did know best
But in life, we all have to grow
With age, wisdom does show!
Sometimes the right words can say what our hearts feel, and these Mothers Day Messages offer thoughtful ways to share your gratitude and love.
My Mother
My Mother! With thy calm and holy brow,
And high devoted heart which suffered still
Unmurmuring, through each degree of ill.
And, because Fate hath willed that mine should be
A poet's soul (at least in my degree), -
And that my verse would faintly shadow forth
What I have seen of pure unselfish worth.
Therefore I speak of thee; that those who read
That trust in woman, which is still my creed.
Thy early-widowed image may recall
And greet thy nature as the type of all.
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Conclusion
As you've read these poems, perhaps you found yourself smiling, nodding, or even wiping away a tear. The truth is, Mom's wisdom often came wrapped in simple words, gentle nudges, or loving looks. And though we may not have always listened back then, time has a way of showing us just how right she was.
Let these poems be a reminder to cherish your mother, to thank her for the lessons, the love, and yes, for always knowing best. Whether she's with you or in your heart, may these verses help you honor the amazing woman you call Mom.
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