Emma Ad Astra

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