On My Mother's Grave

For three score years and little more you lived Did you at once think of yourself? Did you at once rest? When the heartless sun bitterly scotched your back You never thought of it You concentrated on planting a tree instead You only thought of how to overcome the merciless sun rays. I thought you needed a tree for you to rest under But when it blossomed You rested not— you let others enjoy instead. When they were busy enjoying You were busy pruning, tilling and watering Making it more and more enjoyable. It came a time when we started making our own gardens I thought it was a time for you to rest But no! You unplanted flowers from your beautiful garden Giving us to make our own I never saw you rest Never at once saw you enjoy the fruits of your sweat. You just thought of others Sacrificed your happiness to make others happy. Did anyone ever think of you? Did someone ever think of your agony? At least at once! Was there a minute When you cared for yourself? Was there a time when you stop thinking of other people’s problems…Just concentrating on your own? Now I’m at your grave The stone is written: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… They will rest from their labors…” Perhaps it’s true You’ve now rested Only think of yourself.