Pangs of Separation

By Dibyendu Maiti

At the infirmary's door, I stand and wait,

A father longing for his children's fate,

Their smiles, their laughter, their loving gaze,

A warmth that soothes my aging days.

In this house of solitude, I'm confined,

Companions of my age, but none of mine,

I yearn for blood ties, for love so true,

For children who'd call me "Father", anew.

Memories of yesteryears, a bittersweet refrain,

My son, my daughter, on my lap, such joy and pain,

Their tiny hands, a gentle touch, a loving grasp,

Their "Papa" calls, a melody that would forever last.

I recall the days, I'd tease and play,

Their laughter echoing, as we'd dance and sway,

Their tiny fingers, intertwined with mine,

A love so pure, so unconditional, so divine.

But now, I'm left to wait, in vain, it seems,

No smiling faces, no loving dreams,

The gate that once welcomed me, with eager eyes,

Now stands empty, a hollow, haunting sigh.

Perhaps this waiting, will be my last,

A father's longing, forever to be past,

But still I hold on, to memories so dear,

Of children's love, that once brought me cheer.

Oh, for one more glance, one more smile,

One more "Father", that would make my heart worthwhile,

But time keeps moving, and I'm left behind,

A father waiting, with a heart so blind.

By Dibyendu Maiti