Al Byt – Al Kabeer
High above the steepest hill
stands this house of love,
a faded splendid home is here,
It’s name ‘Al Byt – Al Kabeer’,
such pretty ornate railings as
you climb the steps inside,
start to show the love within
that definitely resides.
The grand ‘high ceiling’ entrance hall
with precious chandeliers above
and Mama’let waiting there
her sparkling eyes of love.
Her beautiful arms would take you
and hold you to her heart,
with jet black hair luxurious,
her face a smiling part.
She took us to the ‘Summer Room’
as she called the girls for tea,
“bring the porcelain and glasses
my son is home to me”
the long eau de nil shutters
I remember in every room
protected turquoise silks and gold
ornate ceilings, in partial gloom,
and as I glanced around the ‘salon’
at the beauty of this place,
I saw the sweetest look of love
upon his Mother’s face.
Gilt carvings on the pretty chairs
the heavy ‘Adam’s’ fireplace
the ticking of the many clocks
yes, twas another place.
So many rooms before us
all tall and elegant in their way,
he, brought me to this fine home
to spend our summer days,
And as we greeted one another
I looked from balcony views,
my husband tightly held one hand
his mother did so too.
I loved the fine Aubosson rugs
on each and every floor,
I loved the smell of cedar mixed
with mint, and life before,
and how I loved this golden life
the slowness of the days
this gentle kind enduring Mother
who showed another way.
The calmness of her movements
the joy at everyday,
would take me on a journey
to discover peaceful ways.
@ Copyright 2007.
Susie Hemingway
Photo of Nadrat Moursi Abaza, in Alexandria Egypt in the 80’s – A beautiful lady.
Jane Johnson
This is one of my favourites, as it reminds me so much of my time spent there.
Susie Hemingway
Thank you Jane, I am so glad I was able to bring back these memories.
Anonymous
Thank you for such a beautiful poem. It reminds me of Mamilat, the best grandmother in the world.Thanks for keeping her memory alive.
Sarah Hetherington
Susie Hemingway
This is praise indeed from her grand daughter. Thank you Sarah – she was indeed a wonderful and enchanting woman and I will never forget the love she showed me.
Simon Johnson
A great picture this conjures up – well written. Simon.
Susie Hemingway
Thank you Simon for your kind words.
Susie Hemingway
Nessrine says this is her favourite poem of them all so far. Nessrine – now living in america, is one of the Grand – daughters of Mamalet and her comments are under ‘Going Home’ thank you xx
Robert Green
A story, this poem tells. I loved it.
Susie Hemingway
Thank you Robert for your kind remarks
Anonymous
It’s really awesome like all your other poems, I love your words u have a real talent in writing poems coz ur words r really touching. Ur words gave me hope that love last as long as we live.
Hope that God will bless every procedure taken with Uncle Hamada
From Hagar Husssain Amin, Egypt.