My Beloved Grand Father

By Neha Agarwal

Talking & meeting you makes my heart go spell- bound, but this time I know, you won't be around. Those beaming eyes laden with spectacles, elated on my arrival, little did I know on a fateful day, life will question your survival. Home is not home in your absence, pensively I miss our interactions. Tell me baba, will there be any confluence? We have met each other in my dreams, you looked radiantly bright & supreme. Our well-being was your prime concern, you confirmed this and returned. Your absence had made my eyes go misty, helpless me cannot bring you back to reality.

Tell me baba, why did you leave us so early?

Homecoming is awful for me, your absence aches my heart badly.

Your vacant room is an everyday reminder,

as you do not seem to lean on your couch any longer.

Can only observe you in pictures and memories, merely became a teller of your stories.

Baba, you were a man of vision,

making your children self-dependent was your mission. Having a grandfather like you, was thee's precious decision.

Fifty years apart in age, yet so alike in viewing world differently,

from giving me toys to teaching academics and life lessons, you were forever friendly.

A friend like you is hard to find, who is humble, compassionate and kind.

Staying calm and maintaining harmony, such were the virtues of your mind.

We miss you in our happiness and sorrows,

wanted to seek your blessings, be it today or tomorrow.

You taught me noble things in life, but never taught me how to live without you by my side.

You are my pole star in the darkest sky, our promise to rise high

is something we will never deny.

Baba, you may rest in peace is all I can wish.

By Neha Agarwal