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dear khun-yai ka,
the dishes clattering in the kitchen,
the 6am sounds of the television,
oh how you love your soap operas,
i associated this with peaceful sounds you created every morning.
i played with panda in the garden, dancing,
childhood memories, a sweet romancing.
you cheered me on, as you tended the flowers you nourish, my young imagination continued to flourish.
earthly fingers in the soil's embrace,
you hold a gardener's touch, a tender grace.
seeds planted with hope and care,
blossoms emerge, even in a life of despair.
wrinkled hands, stories etched in each line,
you’re a lifetime of wisdom, a love so divine.
your khao-tom, a magic haven of delight,
your recipes held love in every bite.
the twinkle of your gaze embodied in kindness and care, represented the values you instilled in me, carried everywhere. thank you for bringing me confidence, in my doubtful moments of beauty and for loving me, unconditionally.
you’re small, and frail
but the embodiment of strength and perseverance.
the strongest woman i know,
the one who taught me to rise and grow.
[and just like that]
tears flowing down my face,
before i knew it, it was our last embrace.
the warmth of your unconditional love,
flies high with the doves.
the flowers of your garden bloom,
in a love that transcends in gloom.
memories may fade, but never gone,
it holds your legacy that i will carry on.
your heart holds a universe of grace,
a love that time cannot erase.
a recollection of memories that i will forever cherish, i’m so thankful to have been your granddaughter in this life, and i will love you in the next.
khun-yai ka
the love of you continues to exist,
living and breathing, in the earth you kissed.
in a sanctuary where roots entwine,
until we meet again.
with love,
nong-mint
—
***author’s notes:
“khun-yai ka” translates to “grandma” in Thai
“khao-tom” is “rice soup” in Thai
