My dearest aunt Firoz
When we were in Uganda
You had the perfect eyes to see

My dearest aunt Firoz
I remember
I used to run to your shop
As soon as I arrived
Into your town
To visit my grandparents

My dearest aunt Firoz
With your sister Shirin
With your sister Zarin
Zarin was already blind

Shirin became blind later
I was treated like a Lord

My dearest aunt Firoz
I could drink all the fizz pop
I could have all the sweets
I started eating corn flakes with you
I remember the swing you had for me
I have no other words but I was a Lord
In the hands of you three aunties

My dearest aunt Firoz
You are the eldest sister
You got married first
You moved to Kampala

My dearest aunt Firoz
Soon afterwards you lost
Your eyesight

My dearest aunt Firoz
You have two children
Salima and Karim
You now live in Vancouver
After the Ugandan Asian refugee crisis
Your loving husband Shaukhat has passed away

My dearest aunt Firoz
I was talking to you
Last year about depression

My dearest aunt Firoz
Your greatest depression was
The fear after you became blind
That your husband would divorce you
You did not dare speak to him
About this fear

My dearest aunt Firoz
Then one day in Vancouver
After so many years
You spoke about this fear to him

My dearest aunt Firoz
Your angel husband replied to you
If I had become blind
Would you have thrown me out
And don't be silly after so many years

My dearest aunt Firoz
Since then your soul became at peace
And we all pray for you
And your children
To continue having the
Warmth of spiritual blessings
From Our Lord
Amen

Learn more about this author, Moeze Lalji.
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