Mother Taught Me Music

Thomas Hemminger

May 19, 2024

Before I was even born, 

Mother taught me music. 

The first sound my ears perceived

was the beat of her loving heart. 

I heard her gentle alto voice 

singing from time to time.

I kicked to the records she listened to

around the small, eastside house where we lived. 

I perceived that sound and silence were different, 

but that they were both equally important. 

Before I was even born, 

Mother taught me music. 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His work has been published locally in Dallas, as well as in The Wilda Morris Poetry Challenge, The Texas Poetry Assignment, and The Poetry Catalog where he recently earned first place in the spring 2024 poetry contest. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.