La Sentinelle - Aindre Reece-sheerin

I penned this for my friend Karla Rumens having watched her give a Eulogy for her late mammy the other day.

La Sentinelle - Aindre Reece-sheerin

There she stands – stark and alone yet surrounded
Head slightly bowed but stoic and strong but still confounded
Not for the first time either has she taken this stance
... She takes hold of her faith now and taps into her roots

She is a Child, A Parent, Sister and Wife
Yet alone and strong she stands
Her beloved lies beside her in a small coffin – she too was once a wife
Now La Sentinelle draws breath to talk about the end of life

More erect now, fighting to maintain control
The virtues of a mother, wife and friend to extol
Almost choking, pausing to steady the nerve
In front of family, priest and friends must she now serve

Saving the tears, lest they burn her face
Remembering in her mammy’s hand
She placed a duster and lace
Pays tribute and bids, 'fare thee well' as she moves on in grace

A loved one, a mother, a daughter, a sister too
Stands tall La Sentinelle Being strong for me and you
Speaking words of great praise as so peals the bell
The Stalwart, The holder, La Sentinelle

Aindre Reece-sheerin