When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

Mary Rita Schilke Korzan wrote When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking to her mother 24 years ago, thanking her for all she had done as a mother, friend, and role model. She gave the poem to her mother and, a few months later, offered it as a tribute when Mary and her husband were married. So many wedding guests asked for a copy that Mary included one in her thank-you notes. Then began the strange and heartwarming journey of Mary’s poem to her mom. Friends passed it on to those they knew. A minister in her hometown couldn’t recall who gave it to him, but he included the by-then “anonymously written” poem in his book about loving others. Another author picked it up from there for her compilation of heartfelt works, and Mary finally noticed her poem, now listed as “Author Unknown,”

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking is a message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here – even if you just happened to stumble upon my site while searching for a poem to share with your mother – or loved one. Make yourself at home while you peruse this official website for “When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking.” Whether your visit is intentional or accidental, I hope our chance “meeting” adds a few moments of joy to your day. If you have time, please leave me a note. I love to hear where my poem has landed and would love to hear your story.

Love and blessings, Mary Sill

Tigers Cub Snow Trees Forest Mother And Child

Tigers, Mother And Child

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You hung my first painting on the refrigerator
And I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You fed a stray cat
And I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You baked a birthday cake just for me
And I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You said a prayer
And I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You kissed me good-night
And I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
I saw tears come from your eyes
And I learned that sometimes things hurt””
But that it’s alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You smiled
And it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking
You cared
And I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking””
I looked . . .
And wanted to say thanks
For all those things you did
When you thought I wasn’t looking.

by Mary Rita Schilke Sill

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