Full fifteen years ago today

 In our dear Sithankerny home

My mum said her Final Amen

But she lives in eternal bloom

In the depths of our hearts.

Her life a reflection to draw

For guidance on our paths

Like a lamp in wisdom lit

Remains a flame eternal.

 A chaste exampled life was hers

 An inspiration to her two boys

Her faith was both deep and firm

But witnessed in all humility.

 She had a rich melodious voice

Sharp, sweet and sonorous

Hymns and lyrics, her specials

She sang them most divinely.    

 She kept a neat and tidy home

 A garden she truly cherished

She made the most delicious food

That pleased many a taste bud

Accepted so, not by sons alone.

Whatever she did, she did in style.

 Friends, she had so many

 Relatives, she held them close

Taught us boys, very early in life

We are all but kith and kin

And everyone is very worthy

Of our love and true affection.

 Spiritually quite sure and strong

Morally beyond question

 Socially, a real friend to have

Culturally, she admired

 Our very precious traditions

Customs and our diverse beliefs.

 In our village in Sri Lanka

We were loner Christian folks

But this never affected us

For we were all a genuine part

Of our entire neighbourhood

Brought up to appreciate

The very rich traditions

Of our own community.

 Lovingly remembered this day

The love and warmth of our mum

But even more we would say

For the human spirit she exuded

All through her mortal life

 Of  seventy and eight years.