endlessly
flowers blossomed
and leaves unfurled
nature thrived
in her embroidery
depicted on sheets
pillow-cases, tabletops
and on the wall
she wore trinkets
a golden snake, ruby-eyed
over her arm
jewellery laden
with Indonesian designs
passed down generations
from mothers to daughters
she cooked Maggi
on an oil stove
eye-watering chilli
which none can emulate
spoiling me, never no
to anything I asked
which was admittedly
many
for my bathwater
purple flowers
scattered in a tempayan
of cool, tap water
beside the river
an earthly scent
ever silent, submissive
and sweet
she chants Zikir
while watching TV
and wore sheer kebaya
her brassier obvious
belted with tempered brass
the Sarong, printed batik
her hair uncovered
it was still decent
in those days
I remember
her soft, firm hands
tucking me in
and healing my hurts
when I fell down
I will always remember.
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