To Tia Eufemia, my beloved aunt and Godmother

No need to close the doors, to bolt the shutters
No need to switch off the lights either
For without your presence
A shattering sadness has dimmed the lights in our hearts
And tears will be shed forever now

Though we will be missing you to the end of times
Though life will never be the same again
I will strive to find happiness in your found bliss
For I hope, you see
That you are now done with all the hurdles
troubles and tribulations
Life has so pitilessly put in your path

For though life was generous to you too
No storm or tempest were spared
Like a ruthless wrecking ball it has hit again and again
Throwing you at the edges of unspeakable pain and wretchedness
Mercilessly knocking you and crushing you down

No matter how many times
Bent but not broken
Broken-hearted but not beaten
With a smile concealing the tears
Silent and incessantly trickling down your soul
You stubbornly and valiantly rose up
nobly and tirelessly fought
All life's battle thrown your way

Up to the end no fight was spared
Though you appear to have lost the last one
I believe you had the last word
For you are free at last

Off you go my darling, my dearest aunt
Off you go to your loved ones
To your children too soon departed
To the warm embrace of your mum and dad
To affectionate arms of your siblings
For no doubt heaven is celebrating today

No more tears, no more agony
No more invisible curtains for you
For though you are gone
You will blithely be looking down upon us too

But until we meet again
I will be missing you so immensely and dreadfully
Your gentle ways, your warming smile
Your kindness, your understanding
And just seeing you on the rocking chair in the patio
Where the sparrows are inconsolably crying too.