Ammaji

 

 I remember her as old

she wasn’t always that way, I am told

the mix of beauty and mettle she possessed

she was a legend long before her own death.

 

Child-bride at nine leaving her parents at eleven

a new family, adult husband, her life was not heaven

crossing rugged boundaries, bearing fourteen children

losing one in childhood, another at twenty seven.

 

In times of struggle, earthquake, and strife,

she held her head high as mother and wife

protecting her brood, holding on to her belief

that family is foremost, during war or in time of relief.

 

IN MEMORY OF MY DEAREST GRANDMOTHER ON THIS MOTHERS' DAY!