The Gift Of Mothers

Do mothers live forever? If only. My own went home to the Lord more than

ten years ago. I have many fond memories her in the wet markets. I will

accompany her as a child to help with carrying the produce bought at the

wet markets. She loved to cook and we grew up with some of the best

Malaysian home dishes and delicacies.

My other mother, whom I call “mama” went home to the Lord last year.

While she did not cook as much, she was very good with domestic duties.

Till today, my heart still aches when I think of how much I miss them. While

I still have many around me who love me deeply and vice versa, my

mothers are simply irreplaceable. They are one more reason why I long for

the day of our eternal reunion in Christ.

I wrote this poem after my own mother passed away. I dedicate this to all

the mothers out there.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises

her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family...”

- Proverbs 31:28–29 & Proverbs 31:15

Rising before the sun

Walking the markets

Wetting her feet

Seeking out the fresh

Plucking, choosing,

haggling

The bagged produce

Straining at her fingers

She made her way home

The taps trickled

The leaves rinsed

The lesong rhythmed

The knife chopped

The pot boiled

Ever so softly

For her children were still

In their rooms,

in their dreams

The air came to life

Wafting smells

Of pounded herbs

Of tossed sauces

Her children stirred

Scented dreams

Come true