The Legacy Poem by Renu Beri

‘Grandma' everyone lovingly called her,
Lady with a heart passionate and pure.
Tall, plump, eyes sharp and bright,
Always dressed in spotless white.

The courtyard was her favourite spot,
She was invariably seen on the string cot,
Basking in the warmth of the sun,
Through the cold, long days of winter.

She would keep beside her with great care,
Rosary, spectacles and a book of prayer,
Hidden under a platter by her side lay,
Chapatties left over the previous day.

From the holy book she read a chapter,
At intervals stealthily peeping around her,
After the reading she wrapped the book
In a piece of cloth with hands that shook.

Picking up the rosary she closed her eyes,
Praising the Lord in a soft melodious voice,
That done, she took a deep breath
And smiled, remembering the task ahead.

She broke the bread into tiny even bits,
Surrounded by sparrows she blissfully sits,
Happily she watched them devour the food,
The aggressive ones by her gently shooed.

At intervals her sharp call, `Come, bird, eat',
Could be heard- clear, inviting and sweet,
The birds flew over for the regular feast,
Spread lovingly in the mild winter heat.

The place was flooded by flapping wings,
Birds hopping around in uneven rings,
The old lady giggled and laughed out loud,
Forgetting her ailments and the painful gout.

For a long while she fed each hungry bird,
Chirping incessantly its deep gratitude,
Entranced, she watched their antics gay,
Till having their fill, they flew away.









She lay down comfortably on the cot,
Delighted by the many thanks she had got,
Soon the sun wanted its share of rest,
It began its journey towards the cool west.

She entered the house with a peaceful face,
And sat comfortably by the warm fireplace,
The children soon surrounded her; very keen
To hear tales of ancient kings and queens.

B

The hungry birds tweeted impatiently,
I watched them tearfully and sadly,
They were calling out for my grandmother,
Unaware of her death a few hours before.

She lay on the cot with serene features,
In sharp contrast to the agitated creatures
I spread some crumbs for them that sad day,
They hopped about unsure and flew away.

I continued with absolute determination,
Not losing heart in my difficult mission,
One day, I noticed them pecking tentatively,
Ecstatic, I raced about the courtyard madly.

Grandma is watching my acts of leisure
Nothing can give her greater pleasure.
Seeing me surrounded by chirping sparrows,
Flying towards me like magical arrows.

The trust developed in small measures
Between me and my grandma's treasures.
I carry on the legacy of the old woman
A well spent life of a compassionate human.