Granny's Goddess Of Mercy Poem by john tiong chunghoo

the incense rises,
as profusely as
her prayers to the
Goddess of Mercy
these last 50 years

first it was health
and wealth for hubby
who now had gone to heaven
a wish came true though
she had always wanted to
be at his side till he breathed his last

she thanked the Goddess of Mercy for it
her closest pal these last 70 years
confidante of all her secret wishes
from childhood, to womanhood
to motherhood to grandmotherhood

the Kuan Ying (Goddess of Mercy)
not a day old, young as when
she first prayed to it

with eyes gazing into her
she wonders whether her last wish
would be granted - to die with a face
as gentle and calm as hers
filled with full compassion and
plenty of hope for the world