To Eleonor Karam Zakhia
The last breath of a mother

Abundance and fertility, mother of the gods, goddess herself,
Celestial or earthly, she is a vital force, a sublime poem,
Symbol of sacrifice, of goodness, of eternal love.
She offers her heart, her whole being, her maternal tears
Are pearls overflowing from her heart,
Sparkling. She is drunk with a heavenly and moving wine
A mother’s affection for her children is legendary.
Her love increases, her attachment is exciting, supportive.
The mother is from a family of notables, hospitable and generous members
The husband, too, is a man of letters and a researcher, honest and radiant.
Their presence in this village is necessary, essential
Like leaven in flour, they are unique
The families of Zakhia and Karam in Byblos are a catalyst
Which sows love, understanding, comprehension, and happiness.
The family has already tasted bitter separations,
Two children in the spring of life, and Guy the father,
Are already in Paradise in a palace filled with gold,
Preparing the reception of their mother, the sweet Eleonor.
Welcomed to Heaven, on emerald paving stones, jewelry
Not far from the Lord and the heavenly mother, the Virgin Mary.
The angels of Heaven carried her soul, sailing on the lights,
Without going through purgatory, she offered all her prayers
To our Saints, to Mary, and to her son Christ the Savior.
Far from hospitals, expectations, care, and doctors,
On her bed in Amchit, at Frédéric’s, how many
Dialogues, exchanges, visits to be repeated,
Surrounded by children, friends, close relatives
Exhausted, she kept a lucid mind, it is understandable
Smiling, optimistic and welcoming, in spite of her hard suffering,
She shared with Christ. Full of love and courage
She loved to recite poems that she had retained since her youth,
In Arabic or in French, with details and great finesse
Keeping her nobility of mind, in spite of her pains
Showing a notable memory, an affable, and enchanting heart.
The centenary and cordial Brother André noted this
She joined culture with goodness, holiness
Amchit, corner of paradise, superior to Jerusalem
There, the prayers are hymns, psalms, and poems
Maronites are a battalion of the heavenly army, true fighters
They don’t die, but pass from one paradise to another while smiling
A nation that has given so many saints to humanity
Lives in the Heart of God and his sublime city
We are the heart of the planet, that is our mission.
Lebanon is a message declared by the Holy Father with compassion.
Eleonor is in the heart of God, the domain of his presence.
Near Byblos, Cedars, Notre Dame, near peace and silence.

Joseph Matar – 2020
All rights reserved © LebanonArt
Translated from French: Mayda Samaha