She flies in to a land below the sluice gates
under leaden wintry skies
braving bone chilling, joint stiffening cold
to regain a lover and husband,
surprising family and friends
with a festive presence.
He cossets her adoringly
treasuring the time they are together
sharing memories of a hot Penang wedding a world away
that celebrated a fealty lasting across oceans and years.
Tenderness and connubiality,
happiness built on avocations and contrasts.
Cherishing time together with all those they love
partaking companionably
endearing us all to them.
Soon, she will travel back
to the other side of the planet
to summer heat and extended family
that now stretches globally
to a tall Dutchman.
Copyright © 2018 Kim Whysall-Hammond
For Nesa Sivagnanam, who passed away on the 7th of March — and for Edgar Held, that tall Dutchman, now alone.
