Upon Death

 

On 24^th December my father died.

We were expecting his death

But on the day he took his leave

He had his breakfast, and soup

for supper, went to the toilet by himself.

In the evening he was uncomfortable

The doctor came and wanted him

To be admitted to hospital

‘You can’t do that

He needs to stay with his family’

And he stayed.

 

My brother and I stayed by his side

And read the Bhagvad Geeta to him

Don’t know if he listened or understood

Early morning – he just stopped breathing

We waited for his breath to resume

But it never did – such is the nature of death.

 

My two children came to take Nana’s leave

My son brought him his ‘glows in the dark’ toy

Put it on his pillow and kissed him.

My daughter brought her Rag doll

Florence, and laid her tenderly on his side –

This is to keep him company as

He is going a long, long way away.

 

We kissed him one by one and

said our Goodbyes after all

Death is a part of life

It comes to us all.

 

—————

Sundar