Nagadevi
Even now, your life reduced to barest bones
A cage for monstrous pain,
And all your fierce woman's flame
To bitter ashes
Even now, you struggle upwards from the bed
Whispering of coffee
Hospitality still imperative
And you the mother in this home
Impotent the words in both our tongues
No comfort in regret
The shock of your diminishing
Is shouting in our eyes
Perhaps you feel our sorrow
In the touch of fingertips
For silenced by the pity here
Compassion's all our gift
To you, the mother, heart and soul
Beloved in this home
17th January 2010, K V Kuppam, for Nagadevi
Oh Sally, I'm so sorry for the sorrow and pain you are obviously feeling - and for the "fierce woman's falme reduced to bitter ashes" - I grieve our sister's suffering too!
ReplyDeleteHer suffering is indeed grievous Jenny, and the more so because here she doesn't have access to strong and effective painkillers. She was such a strong woman this time last year when we were here, a real force in her community and so much fun also. Now she is a tiny tiny figure, all bones, on a poor bed, in such anguish. One cannot but feel pity for her. As I hugged her and stroked her wordlessly she murmered 'Jesus pray mam, Jesus pray' knowing that our religion would be Christian. I pray for her release from pain, bless her.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me to look for your response. I will be praying with you. xxJenny
ReplyDeleteNagadevi died in the early hours of Republic Day, 26th January. Balaji called me at 6a.m, weeping. We went to the village in the afternoon, taking with us a large special garland, and took part in a procession with drumming and firecrackers. We went to Nagadevi's home where she was laid out with a garland round her neck, in a glass coffin. Much sadness in the village.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this Sally. I'm sending you some photos of Nagadevi in happier times if you would like to post one. I still find it hard to come to terms with what happened.The hopes of her children and those wonderful boys and their grief at her loss! Such a vibrant woman. I'm so pleased we can honour her memory by naming the elderly centre after her. Perhaps it wil bring some comfort to the family? And to us perhaps!
ReplyDeleteOh Sally what a lovely image. It just breaks my heart!
ReplyDelete