An Ode to Sofia

Sofia Bajic, 1951-2019,
of Sofia’s Bistro Café, North Adelaide, 1992-2007

The cosmopolitan faces of O’Connell Street fade into the light
Your famous goulash was the food philanthropist’s delight
They came from far and wide
Adoring the famous candle light

Homeless and the gentile
Took delight in your Slavic ways
Many saw you as a force to reckon with

They said you healed them
Food healed those broken hearts
Souls of the departed
Your honorary title made it so

When the door finally closed
It took those who prospered and weep
Realise you were quite unique
The lady in yellow
Found her place
Resting in God’s heavenly grace

As your true halo shines
Another divine being is reminded
At your celestial table
Celebrating life
Passionate narratives.

Sonja Bajic lives in Adelaide. Her poem today is in celebration of her mother Sofia.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems of up to 40 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. Submissions should be in the body of the email, not as attachments. A poetry book will be awarded to each accepted contributor.