An Elegy to my Father...

Contemplating the good old times of mine, I now paint my childhood and adolescence with the hues of vibrant colours. Back then, I thought it otherwise, as I have always wanted to tell you…

I reminisce the days I painted my life grey,

longing to hero-worship my dad all day.

For they, showered on their dads, adulations,

displaying occasional affectations.

But I, too naïve to understand my dad,

who never gave himself airs, it’s sad.

I reminisce the days I painted my life green,

green with envy and spleen.

For they, cuddled to their dads, chattering all the way,

lit the room with fun and laughter, every other day.

But I, quite poised, wept inside,

desirous, for my dad so mirthful, who stood beside.

I reminisce the days I painted my life red,

scared to speak, that’s how I was bred.

For they, spoke their minds out,

fearing no man as they shout.

But I, always a docile lass,

spoke less, and heeded to my dad with gravitas.

I reminisce the days I painted my life blue,

desperate for my dad’s plaudits, though in vain, with no clue.

For they, lauded by their dads amidst all, swelled with pride and arrogance,

pricked me the most then, crushing my confidence.

But I, the most timid among the three,

gave my dad no chance to glee.

But now,

The unending streak of tears that flow through my cheeks sings a different hymn,

for I realize, the hand that nurtured me has departed to the Supreme.

I now want to tell you, my dad…

I painted my life grey, as you always stood rock solid by me and my convictions.

I painted my life green, for the safety and security you nurtured me with.

I painted my life red, for the relentless faith and confidence you had in me.

I painted my life blue, for the unspoken words of encouragement that I could see in your eyes.

I have always wanted to tell you much more…