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.
Copyright © Mukoi Musagasa | Year Posted 2015
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