Johann Mishoe McCrackin, 1952 Scholar, composed the poems “To James F. Byrnes” and “To ‘Mom’ Byrnes”
James Francis “Pop” Byrnes and Maude Bush “Mom” Byrnes.
To James F. Byrnes
How shall I answer, when in years to come
My children ask of me, “Who is this man?”
How shall I tell them of a debt I owe
To one who was a great American?
They first shall hear how history records
A statesman great in wisdom, small in frame
Who walked, a noble giant in an age
Marked by a Roosevelt’s and Churchill’s name.
They shall learn of a leader who returned
To serve a state once left, but not forgot;
An humble man, sometimes misunderstood;
What man of real integrity is not?
He chose his sons and daughters through a plan
Born of the circumstances of his youth,
To help young people seek their destinies
Among the ancient, cherished halls of Truth.
Those of us who were chosen still recall
The wonder of that magic day and year
He clasped our hands and welcomed us into
His family and its fellowship so dear.
More than his gold, he gave us of himself –
His joy, his faith in us, his wise advice.
In answer to their questions I shall say,
“Because of him I live a better life.”
To “Mom” Byrnes
We called her “Mom” – though varied names we wore.
We came from many backgrounds to her home;
Yet always with a smile and outstretched hands
She welcomed us as though we were her own.
We called her “Mom” – and from the very time
She met us she could call us all by name.
When spoken with her gentle, special touch
Each name took on a glow and fresh acclaim.
We called her “Mom” – and never did a queen
Wear grace so nobly or more like a crown;
The secret of her radiance we called “Pop,”
His love adorned her life like a glorious gown.
We called her “Mom” – first shyly, then with pride;
We somehow knew that to her that meant more
Than all the praise and golden accolades
That destiny had brought to her bright door.
We called her “Mom” – and for each one of us
Mom Byrnes will always have a special place;
in treasured memories and in our hearts
She left a living gift of love and grace.