She lay there lifeless but tortured,

like a boat tossed upon the sea.

She would not cry, or even whine,

her inner strength was now divine.

I hold her hand and smooth her hair,

and whisper prayers into her ear.

Half-open eyes now come alive,

I hold my tears, does she recognize?

She seemed to say, its over now,

Don't worry, It won't take long.

She always knew, she was always right,

pain and suffering had to end sometime...

My heart is heavy, my head giddy,

and I wonder if there is God above.

She moves… methinks she agrees

Her illness has given her endless pain.

It's such a shame and such a sham,

O God; you know she is such a lamb.

Then why?

So much of loving, so much of giving,

So much caring and never asking,

Then why?

It's over now, a calm descends

a life so full, journeys to its end.

As Her motionless frame is wrapped in cloth

I cannot cry. I am lost. I am distraught.

Now, sometimes, softly, I can hear my mother...

her voice giving me strength and the energy to go on.

And then I chant my daily prayer:

O God give my mother good health and strength

But my question will remain ever unanswered:

Then why??? .........