Sunday, June 9, 2019

THE TALE OF SISTER MARY

         



        
         Her name known to all, ev'n to a small child

         Her nature, ever friendly, meek and mild;

         Whence and when she came none correctly knew

         She came as a nurse with belongings few;

         Some said she lost her spouse and some, a maid;

         To all gossips scant attention she paid;

         Not an impressive figure and form she had

         Thin and tall ever in simple white dress clad

         With a smiling face and soft voice clear

         A motherly figure with comforting cheer;

         Others she did neither blame nor criticize

         She talked not much but gave sound advice;

         She stitched, fine embroidery she did

         Fine pictures she drew and cooked dishes splendid;

         An angel of all trades as everyone felt

         She led the choir while others prayed and knelt;

         From morn to eve, she had a tight schedule

         She helped patients with love and taught at school;

         For every function she was a helpful guest

         Arranged everything and never cared to rest;

         She found joy in serving and helping others

         About her own comforts she did not bother;

         In wedding times she did gracefully decorate

        The bride and waited patiently till late

        Unlike others who rush to meals with buffet plates;

        She wished to see all guests in happy state;

        Though not so rich small petty gifts she gave

        To everyone, no gains for her work she did crave;

        She helped all till her strength did last

        As if by curse a grievous malady she caught;

        Though confined to bed she never felt too bad

        Her visitors, though few, did make them glad;

        Her pious religious outlook and mind

        Filled with patience and feelings kind

        Made her amiable to one and all

        Though none came to help and nurse her at all;

        Is this the gift for her services long?

        How many people helped she with conscience strong?

        How many patients got her help and aid?

        How many functions she managed unpaid?

        How many families she gave support

        Expecting naught with friendly rapport?

        Now left alone with none to nurse her state

        Is this the gift given by cruel fate?

        Inscrutable to know God’s plans and ways

        Why Sister Mary suffered for so many days?

        Her long lasting illness left her alone

        None came to help, too busy even to phone;

        Languishing like a stump of truncated tree

        Sister Mary lay with none to help or see;

        In spite of her pain and exhausted state

        She ever prayed to God and never cursed her fate;

        If anyone came to inquire her health by chance

        She shed silent tears with a helpless glance;

        Like sinking sun she met her end in sleep at last

        Her benevolent deeds will never fade so fast.

        Like a candle she shone with selfless service

        May her soul in Lord’s bosom rest in peace;

        Her dearest memories forever shine

        Sister Mary’s life, indeed Love’s sacred shrine.

             ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


       8th June, 2019                              Somaseshu Gutala

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