In Her Eyes, the History

In her eyes I read The history of humanity. She is, this woman, just past her prime, The emerging lines trace struggles past, The lips, still rosy, hair long and lustrous, Hold a mirror to memories lived through: The fight against adversity when she rose From abject poverty and carved a career Amid a hostile crowd of doting relatives Who were inwardly jealous, unfriendly And fierce in claiming a right of love Over her own children and causing her pain And making her change so often her plans. But she had the good fortune of a husband Loving and devoted to her who stood by her Like a treasured perfume, a source of light. Whose love and passion and total defence Of her right to guide and rule her family Silenced dissent and rendered worthwhile All the struggles she had to overcome. A lioness she was, fierce, kind, caring And quite often mad at those who sought An advantage and denied her the respect due. Today she celebrates with pomp and pride The wedding of her son and it is from her That everyone takes orders and advice. Her face lights up with a shy smile and fear Still lurks beneath the joy and she worries If the evil eye would cause again a setback And give rivals the chance to cause chaos And ruin the joyous mood savored by all. A saga of yet another family that survived With beliefs and tradition from a far away age. From her spouse and her children she received And gave them back absolute trust and loyalty. She led them to good fortune, status and rank She dared and welcomed life as a trusted friend: With a smile, confident and challenging at once