One of my Cousins

She is one of my cousins
a sensible woman
a contemporary,
one or two years
more or less.

She is from a family
steeped in tradition,
orthodox in conviction,
but stylish in outlook
paradoxical it might be.

Married into a community
primitive in thought
harsh in behaviour. Caught
between the two, she encounters
a meltdown.

She springs a surprise.
The maternal background helps.
She evolves with grace.
Stands out from the crowd.
Embodies brilliance.