Lola’s Magic – A Ghazal

When Lola* arrives, it’s hard to deny there’s magic
The children happily sigh, “She’s magic!”

My tween can whisper secrets in her ear
Lola – my spy who can pry – hush magic!

My sweet girl’s dollies all need a cuddle
Lola’s arms wide like the sky – hug magic

Train engineer boy with curious spark
Lola answers all the why’s – smart magic

The toddler is whining, “No” is his word
Lola sweet talks – he complies – bribe magic!

Then quiet, they gather around her chair
Lola gives sweets on the sly – bad magic!

Homemade dinner, there’s so much to clean up
Lola’s sink is spotless, dry – clean magic

I’m exhausted, drained, this job is so hard
Lola’s shoulder, allows me to cry – mom magic

My first attempt at the ghazal poetry form was inspired by Jamie’s Wednesday Writing Prompt to write about someone I admire. According to Gay Reiser Cannon at d’Verse, who introduced the components of the ghazal for their challenge, the ghazal’s narrator “is always a hero longing for the unattainable”. I hope my longing for the unattainable “motherhood” is evident here. Please feel free to comment on this form/content, etc. – all feedback is welcome!

* Lola is Filipino/Tagalog for Grandmother. This poem is dedicated to my mom, my children’s Lola. She really has the magic touch with my kids (along with my dad). They simply adore her! In fact, my youngest has declared Lola his best friend. This makes my heart so happy!

I know I can never reach the level of sacrifice that my mom has, but I can try to be the best mom to my kids as I can be. In the meantime, my mom has already surpassed motherhood goals and is approaching the pinnacle of grandmother-hood!

©️ iido 2019