| A Tribute to Grand Mothers |
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Happy as a lark Sometimes I’m just a sorrow sparrow It’s that bird’s eye view in my heart that’s a killer Contrasts I constantly observe that disturb While in the North West the sun may be shining bright In the South East the view is ominous With a disturbing dark cloud! Amidst the musical clutter Of the Royal Dolton china Over a high tea they relax on a patio Sipping Earl Grey and Jasmine Delight Grandmothers of North America Rejoicing, boasting about their gifts from God Ecstatic at the sight of smiling innocence Describing the warm cuddle of their grand children Like fresh petals Their beauty unscathed by the roughness of life Latest achievements of these children they compare Each one outdoing another Like the first word Jason spoke Or how my Amanda has now learned to crawl Did we enjoy our own children as much? They wonder Not really, we were too busy just raising them How fortunate as grandmothers we all are! While our children deal with dirty diapers Bag packs, cribs and strollers Boxes of books and tons of toys! We get to relax for these are our golden years. Now that we’re no longer entangled Into mashing potatoes and preparing formulas We have the luxury of this pleasure at our leisure “Once upon a time we too paid our tolls For the blessings bestowed” proclaims one of them We still continue to extend our helping hands Constantly contribute to nurturing But enjoyment has now become our rightful blessing! Play with them --then hand them over After all we’re the modern grandmas We need time for our weekly blow dry’s at the salon And what about the opera or theatre we mustn’t miss! I say “Whatever time we spend with our grand children Is to be appreciated by our children So, here’s a toast to all of us Grandmothers” Everyone cheers but one becomes sad and sorrow It’s that sparrow With a bird’s eye view in her heart! “Do you know who we should be proposing a toast to And paying a highest tribute?” she expresses Everyone suddenly curious and attentive “Let’s not forget about those Grandmothers Who have lost their off-springs to that Monster! The deadly virus! Just think, an entire generation has been wiped out! With aching limbs and fatigued bodies Wrinkled women are now landed with the responsibility Who else will raise these ‘left over’ children Not to mention the burden of grief they carry From two miles away they must fetch water For these naked orphans with pot bellies Whose lives are void of toys! Prone to disease With respectful awe and awareness Everyone stands up to propose a toast We do salute you and pray for your strength For you are truly Grandmothers! The Grand ‘Mothers’ of Africa …………………………………. A pros poem by: Zohra Zoberi |