When I see my album,

I find him present in all its pages,

He had been my companion

since my birth, for ages.

My success made him more joyous

my failures brought him sorrow,

He always protected me from turmoils

like a good, old mother sparrow. 

He taught me to see, speak, listen

taste and smell.

That ‘Evil’ is to be forgotten

and ‘Good’ is always to tell. 

My every mistake brought me a rebuke

and every achievement a pat,

Whenever I stumbled, beside me

I always found him to have sat. 

Now am I able. For all his teachings

and caring I want to repay,

But stealthily he left, and before that

not a word did he say. 

All through my life, this wish of mine

will remain unfulfilled,

He held my hand, nurtured me

and protected me with his shield. 

The strength I require for the rest of my life

Now wherefrom do I gather ?

Why so soon did you leave me all alone

Father, my dear Father ?  

As a token of sincere gratitude and utmost reverence to my father who set on his final journey  on July 11, 1994- a journey from where there is no return. Though 13 long years have passed since that day, the void created by his loss has not reduced a bit, instead it grows day by day

 

He could not have chosen a better date for his departure- it being World Population Day !