The Way You Once Were - For Dad



I remember you the way you used to be...
Your tall frame shielding me from the rain,
Your strong arms embracing me protecting me from the cold wind,
Your deep voice retelling stories of 'Norman Conquest' and 'The Baron',
Your laughing eyes watching me try to resolve my blunders,
Stealing out to eat vadas and icecream together,
Evening walks, talking about trivial things that seemed so important to me then...
I could talk to you about anything...boys, books, puberty,
And your lap was my favourite seat even after age caught up with me...
Your love so pure and deep
Your father's heart -
A silent comfort
knowing even the hidden, uncofessed part of me,
Willing to forgive,
And wipe my tears away...

But now the days grow dark...
The orange blossoms fade in mid bloom,
And the sun shines only dimly,
Almost half-heartedly
Through the mist of sorrow enshrouding us.
And my heart bleeds to see you
Lying there,
A skeleton of yor former self...
Your tearless eyes heavy with sleep,
Your mind wandering through memories of the past,
Unprotected from the rain,
Vulnerable to the cold wind;
My arms insufficient comfort
My strength inadequate to ease your pain

You taught me about faith...
- That it was believeing even in the midst of suffering...
And I see the familiar flame in your sleep rimmed eyes
Warring against my hopelessness, my faithlessness,
And my soul cries out to its Creator, t
o restore you to the way you once were...

Benita Serrao


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