My Universe, Papa

By Suhani Vijay

Papa..

How much depth these four letters hold,

A word so small, yet a heart of gold.

Every time, we talk about our mothers,

What she does, how she cares for others,

But seldom we do speak of our dads,

The ones who silently bear our bads.

He’s the man who knows how to give,

Unsaid sacrifices for us, he lives.

Those quiet sacrifices he never shows,

But I, who love him deeply, truly know-

Leaving for office early each dawn,

Returning late, though the day is gone,

Working each hour to ensure we smile,

Earning enough, going every mile.

And still, at home, he never lets his tiredness show,

He just keeps spreading happiness wherever he goes.

It’s easy to say it, hard to do,

He does so much, yet says so few.

He plans my birthdays with care and delight,

Takes me out, makes my world bright.

He never spends for himself at all,

Yet stands for me, whenever I call.

We never celebrated his day that way,

For even on his birthday,

the treat would be given by him anyway.

He is my hero,

My role model, yes, because he’s the best.

He shields me from storms,

He’s my biggest support.

He never lies, never scolds,

Just shows me the path to hold.

I’ve seen him struggle, seen him fall,

Yet he rose again, giving his all.

He’s been through the darkest night,

Still taught me to walk in light.

He’s been poor, both in wealth and peace,

But rich in love that’ll never cease.

He worked and worked, with silent might

So whatever he is today, he deserves it right.

He’s given me all a father could give,

Taught me the values by which to live.

He’s stood with me in every test,

He’s cared for me more than the rest.

Papa, today I just want to say-

You are the best father in every way.

My best friend, my teacher, my guide,

My forever hero - my endless pride.

Even if I become just ten percent of you,

I’ll be the happiest, for I know

How hard it is to be even this much,

So strong, so kind, with such a touch.

I love you, Papa - forever and beyond.

My love for you can’t be put in words,

It’s felt in unheard prayers to almighty.

Each prayer I make is for your smile,

For your happiness to last a while.

I pray for your good health before mine,

Because your life makes my world shine.

I owe you everything I own,

From the day I was born, till I’ve grown.

And at last, I can just say

I’ll always try, come what may,

To become the person you want me to be,

And make you proud, eternally.

Thank you for everything, Papa.

You’re my forever home, my world, my universe…

By Suhani Vijay