The Giving Tree

By Vinu K Saji

I still remember that cold, cold night

In bed, my father was tucking me tight

Sadness in his eyes and a smile on his face

As he held me in his comforting gaze

With tears in his eyes, and the smile still there

And more pain in his heart than he could bear

He told me, with his voice straining fully

"I'm sorry, son, for the space in your belly

We have not even a grain leftover

To cook something, to appease your hunger

A farmer I am but I can't feed my son

Or let you play with the others in the sun

When not in school, you're helping on the farm

I know my son that I do you most harm

Bright minds like yours should be allowed to bloom

And shine the light on mankind's gloom

Continue studying ahead of the crowd

I know that someday you'll make your father proud

When you are rich and have lots of grain

Just remember the farmer working in the rain"

Now that I have reached the top of my game

With food on the table and a title to my name

I think I'll return to my father's farm

Tell his grave that he strengthened my arm

By Vinu K Saji