Had Maria’s funeral today,

Many came to the house of mourning,

in her sleep she slowly passed away,

even the misty mountain seems to be crying…….

Ex husband Bill and his new family,

came to pay their respects like many,

Marie with her Dad still kept in touch,

but Duphur didn’t bother much…….

The Dutch community were well represented,

as so was the Maori contingent,

many cried and lamented,

there were many fine speeches and comments…..

Rangi made the long trip from Australia,

was accompanied by her daughter,

her name was Rangimaria,

was only baby when she last lived here…..

Rangi was getting on in years,

for her old friend she shed many tears,

her and Marie stood together,

they were just like sisters……

But the most heart wrenching speech,

was to come from daughter Marie,

it was a speech to teach,

the joys of giving and not to grieve…….

She spoke of her mothers life,

about her pride in her Dutch heritage,

her trials as a mother and twice as a wife,

the many different roles on life’s stage…….

When her performances were good,

then many would applaud,

but when she was misunderstood,

the same crowd would boo and roared……

Then one stormy afternoon in seeking haven,

to an old hut she did go,

there her dying heart was awaken,

by a king she didn’t know…….

He gave her shelter from the storm,

gave her hope to love again,

the old hut was like a home,

and they gave thanks to the mountain……

She didn’t see the beast on the outside,

but through the windows of his eyes,

she saw paradise,

it was beautiful and with happiness she cried…….

Was told this paradise is forbidden,

she was made from a different clay,

but her love could not be hidden,

and so my mother had her day……

When all clay becomes like the dust,

it mixes in the wind and sails,

it becomes one like love and trust,

and together they will never fail……

Mum  became a Queen and married her King,

love is a beautiful thing,

sure they tasted sweetness and pain,

but they will meet again………………..to be continued……..well almost…….