MY GRANDMA AND YOUR GRANDMA*
My Grandma pastes her reassuring smile
at the school gate
for me to hold
when the bell rings dismissal
My Grandma bakes the buns
that warm my winter hands
lights the candle
that shines my evening pages
chooses the stories
that fill my sleepy eyes
My Grandma teaches me the words
that cause no harm to others
models me the deeds
that brings love over
My Grandma makes her own paste to cement my family together
keeps a diary
for everyone around her
including my neighbours
My Grandma and your Grandma are similar
Only my Grandma gave away the comfort
the attachment to her homeland
came to offer her children her hands
and has grown her father’s roses on this land
Only my Grandma is keen to share with me 
her mother’s language
Only my Grandma is keen to learn from me
your mother’s language
love to call my Grandma: ”Grandma”, wouldn’t you? 
Inspired by Nancy Gurguis’ eulogy farewelling her Grandma, 14/8/98	X. Duong