Ode to Ricki (RhA)
Eulogy "Poem" by Sidi Naajee
My mom and dad were puzzled
"Our son is smitten, bedazzled?"
What was in Ricki? What did he see?
The American face? The green sea?
Katb l'ktaab* in masjid lessened their shock.
But, no Algerian wedding hit them like a rock!
Five years went by and three children later,
Made the family seven strong and greater.
Jeddi^ and Nenna^ came to visit the bride,
That their son picked with love and pride.
A beauty, she more than was, they realized
Her hospitality 'n kindness left them dazzled
A true mother she was and a gentle classy dame
A noble lady who never whines or lays a blame!
They left after a month to Algeria, at ease
Knowing that their son's life is sea breeze
In the company of Ricki 'n under her wing
Taoufik is going to be, in his house, a king!
To the siblings back home, the mom praised
Her son's wife and the children they raised.
Al HamdouliLlah**, they at last genuinely exclaimed
The immigrant son has a homeland to be claimed.
Thank you Ricki for helping this man settle 'n thrive
And find a life partner in you, in your sweetest hive!
Your leaving early to meet Allah, the One 'n Only God
Left voids in hearts, in spaces, in times here 'n abroad!
Rest In Peace, queen of hearts and sweetest mother of eight
Your memories shall live 'n our love for you is infinitely great!
Uhibbuki ya Ummal Baneen wal Banaat! RhA
Notes:
*Katb l'ktaab is engagement, the Islamic way
^Jeddi and Nenna are Arabic words for grandpa and grandma
**Al HamdouliLlah is praise be to Allah in Arabic
