Sometimes I think about the cruelty you went through
What purpose was given to you from high above
How is it that a child can be brought to this world
Unwanted, neglected, malnourished and unloved
But when you said how the market ladies helped you
I imagine that tiny girl had been given grace
I wonder how you grew up in those harsh conditions
What was the purpose of your life in those old days
I often wonder how you were when you were little
How spirited and mischievous you were back then
Skipping school with friends and going to the movies
All the trouble you got into before you were ten
I imagine those days when you were a child
Small but always vociferous right from the start
I wonder what the market ladies must’ve said
“There goes Emma, so stubborn and wild at heart”
I don’t want to imagine the beatings that you got
And how one time you almost ended up dying
I wonder what those doctors and nurses must’ve said
Seeing all those bruises must’ve left some crying
I’m sorry for all the suffering you experienced
But I’m glad a caring family took you in
They raised a woman with morals and integrity
Strong with an untamed spirit that would never bend
Now all these photographs tell a bit of your story
Even though you only showed glimpses of the past
The tales you used to tell felt like myth and legend
And all the mysterious lore I never dared ask
Then when you grew old and had a family of your own
You gave your children love, structure, and protection
You taught us the principles of faith, code and ethics
The real importance of planning and reflection
How many early mornings did you get up for work
All the jobs you had to put a roof over their heads
All those blisters they said you had in your hands
Working hard while we slept safely in our beds
When we all helped during this retro genesis
You became our child with bright smiles and soft eyes
There was a celestial light that shined upon your face
A purpose filled life earns a place in paradise
Your soft hands always prayed over your grandchildren
Your salt and pepper hair hardly showed ninety-six years
There was a grace about you like it was heaven sent
You were at peace while all of us said goodbye in tears
Thank you for everything that you did for this family
I will always tell more of your stories in memoirs
Rest in peace grandma, we will love you forever
Our beloved Emma has gone beyond the stars
Beautifully expressed.🧡