A precious gift from a special friend....a poem

A few weeks ago, I received this little poem from someone. A very old friend of mine. A very special friend.

We met while attending an orientation programme for students embarking overseas for further studies in 1976, at Alamshah school (back then, it was still in Cheras). We have been keeping in touch ever since.

She did her A-Levels at Southampton while I did mine at Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Then, we were together at Sheffield from 1978 until 1981. Both of us were married in 1979 just after finishing our first years at undergraduate level. Our husbands were mates at the Engineering Department, Mappin Street, University of Sheffield. Back then, we were active members of the Sheffield Islamic Students’ Society.

Our husbands had lent their hands in acquiring the building which is now the Islamic Centre at number 10, Severn Road. The centre is still in operation when I visited it around February 2007 last year....traveling on my own and feeling nostalgic (the pictures here were taken then..). And both of us had our firstborns in 1980, mine in August, while she had hers in October. Of course, we had our hands full...juggling the many different responsibilities...But Oh! I do cherish those moments....And imagine how I felt when I received this little piece from her, just recently....Tears welled up in my eyes....

And so, I would like to share it with you here...(with my old friend’s permission)


For my precious friend…

Remember the times..
When we were in our teens,
Always sharing, always caring..
Stories and gossips
Tales and tips..
Sad ones, happy pieces…
From religious updates and narratives
Right down to delicious recipes…..
Then…. suddenly we became mothers,
Our eyes feasting on Mothercare catalogues…
Hands full, struggling…
Studies, mental blocks… but then still coping..

Sleepness nights..
And the delight!
Attending to the ceaseless crying
And their antiques..
Who else but our babies?
For, we were first time mothers..
Both far from home..
No experience, only instincts…
But we managed…
Exchanging words so comforting..
Through thick and thin..

Nearly thirty years have gone…
Both you and I have ripened....
First, mother-in-law ..then next becoming a grandmother..
Still, holding tightly on to each other..
Sharing our joys and pleasures..
Only… you have ventured to newer pastures..

Even then…you are still sharing
Anything that is new…and tips on writing..
Here and there
And everywhere…
In your words and encouragement..
Already five books in circulation..
How I admire your ways..
Living to share what there is in taking..

Am motivated to try too…
But haven’t the strength to carry through
Only can afford to utter a prayer…
May you be in good health and Allah’s care..
Tirelessly sharing..
Forever caring…

Fond thoughts from your old friend,

*aw*
14 Rabi’ul Akhir 1429

To *aw*:-

Dearest *aw*,

If you are reading this, please be elated. Because you do have talents too..Only that you do not know...Please nurture it...

I do love you very much! ...for Allah....(But I am not so good in poetry...)

From your 'ole friend too.....
~Umi~