Aunty
You were like my mother
But I’ve let you down
You knew me since I was little
But I can’t see you now
You knew me by name
You knew me personally
Your eyes light up when you see me
And you loved me dearly
You were close to many people
People you loved so
Your sister for instance
Did not want you to go
I’m sorry Aunty E-Mei
That I hardly ever said,
‘I love you aunty—very much.’
But now it’s much too late
The Lord has taken you
Now that you are gone
It grieves me so much
As I cried to the breaking dawn
—
Originally written on September 3, 1999. Edited on September 22, 2002 and re-edited on May 27 2003.
* This poem is dedicated to my late Aunty E-Mei whom I loved very much. She wasn’t my real aunt. Nevertheless, she cared for me.