Grandma

We have been apart for 2 years and longer

We communicated on the phone with the help of auntie

Since you did not have a phone 

Neither did you know how to use one 

I am always relieved to see your face, knowing that you are doing well

 

Somehow every time you called over,

I was troubled

And even when I try to force a smile,

You could see right through me 

It is not that I am not glad to see you

I just had too much going on at that time 

 

We always end our conversations with you saying 

Be strong. Do not cry. You are a big girl now. Always remember to study hard.

And that we will definitely meet again. 

Yet whenever I hear that, my tears cannot help but fall 

Because when is again? 

 

Finally the borders are opened

And you came 

I was over the moon seeing you 

However, I noticed that your hair had turned even more silvery white 

 

We walked sometimes and you held my hand with interlocking fingers

I felt you lean on me for support and limped 

So I said I am feeling a bit tired, we are not rushing for time, how about we take it slow

Because how many of these moments can I share with you before you have to leave again 

 

I love you, grandma

I hold onto the pillow you give me every night 

My tears drench it sometimes when I miss you 

I hope to see you soon 

I want to let you see me smile happily before you go

I won't disappoint you but am afraid I can't promise that