Requiem for the living
I am a ripe mango ready to fall my dad says
each afternoon whenever I make it a point to visit him,
this life sullen as a cone that has had its fill
drips and we hang on with our mouthful.
Delicious is the taste of dasheri on his worn-out lips.
I am often taken in by the toothless smile ready to curl
as I count the Sundays we have spent together
Sundays he loves to hold a durbar with his son’s progeny
They treat his ancient visage with faint humour.
It runs in the family. Believe me it is his voice
Brazen and sharp, very youthful that can match his grace.
And the rest of us are put to shame.
(First published in December Poems 2012)
dasheri - one variety of mango.
_____________
Ranu Uniyal lives in Lucknow, India. Poetry keeps her going and is as much a part of her life as her love for humanity. She is a Professor of English at Lucknow University. She has two books of poems: Across the Divide and December Poems to her credit.
Dear Ranu,
ReplyDeleteYou created a wonderful image of your father in this poem. When you said, "It's in his voice," you made me remember my own late father. He had the deepest voice I'd ever heard and it was so comforting to me. How I miss hearing him sing Christmas Carols and Happy Birthday songs to me. You brought a tear to my eye. Awesome work! Love, Carolyn Devonshire
Thanks Carolyn. We live in memories and thrive too.
DeleteRanu, this is a well-written and warm illustration piece of poetry. Reminds me of when I would visit my dad when he was in the nursing home, and then when my mother brought him home to care for him in my old bedroom. Such fond memories. Thank you for sharing this. It really touched me. When you get a chance, please stop by my website and consider submitting some poetry to Creative Inspirations. www.tgbtgpublictions.com.
ReplyDelete-M.J.
Ranu, not as often as should be, do sons and daughters take the time their aging parents need for their children to be with them. Obviously you have made it a point to do so with your father. What a blessing you are to him I know. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and lovely poem. I enjoyed it very much.
ReplyDeleteLove, Charlene
This is a very real and beautiful picture of a father's role in a family. My own father was the main presence in my large family as well and when we children had children of our own they were drawn to him as to a magnet.
ReplyDeletePam
Thanks Pam for liking this poem. Relationships are so important and they keep us going in all times - good or bad.
DeleteThank you Caroline, Maurice, Charlene and Rhymetime friends for your warm appreciation. At the end of it all one is left with just memories of our loved ones. Maurice I will definitely go through your writing. Thanks a lot Karen for encouraging poets.
ReplyDeleteDear Ranu,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the comments you left for others today. I see people are enjoying your wonderful poem too. I appreciate all the support and encouragement.
Blessings,
Karen
Thanks Karen.
DeleteWhat wonderful memories you have of your father, this is a lovely tribute to him, there is much love in this family of yours, your poetic words capture this so beautifully. Blessings always, Leokadia
ReplyDeleteThanks Leokadia. I am delighted to know you have liked the poem.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful account of your visit with your aging father. Your caring heart is very visible in your words and expressions of your love and respect for him. Robert
ReplyDeleteDear Ranu -
ReplyDeleteYour words always touch my spirit. You draw me in to our discovery of the loving wise just before the conduit leaves. "toothless smile ready to curl" Your love is a tribute to your father.
love,
Kathy
Thanks Kathryn and Robert for your warm appreciation.
ReplyDelete