To the world very far

Those days of running in the garden with unkempt hair,

You would call us back into the house to ward away the scorching sun.

Those days of growing up when I would pout my lips and cry to avoid school,

You would smile and hold me tight and ensure a surprise in the evening.

Those days of unresolved curiosities and questions,

You would sit holding my hand and tell me everything making me think I am wise.

Then arrived the days of summer when I would look forward to seeing you,

I would strike off days from my calendar and pray the days go by soon.

Your hugs and kisses were endless when you saw me,

Bedtime stories and specially cooked food by you became part of my vacation.

Tears were shed by the thought of saying goodbye to you at the end of every summer,

You made me smile by assuring you’d visit us soon.

Then arrived the days of distant calling,

You would be excited by my voice and would have queries galore.

I would duck questions, and tell you I would soon be there to see you.

Your bear hug, the moment I stepped inside the house, would fill my heart with love,

Your hearty questions would make me feel loved.

Then came the time when I called and your voice shook,

I wouldn’t want to believe that your body is being unable to keep pace with your age.

You were always to me this gorgeous one who could make hearts stop.

You would ask me when would I visit you next,

My answer would make you smile and made you look forward to something uncertain.

Then there was this brutal time standing at the doorway where you would look and not say anything,

I would look at you and think of all the pain you are going through.

Your unspoken glances would give me chills down my spine and hurt my eyes,

Your nods and solitary expression would make me weak each time I looked.

You have been a part of every memory of my childhood and every phase of my life,

To create fresh memories without you looks like a difficult task.

I know from up there you are looking and encircling us with hope, love, and care.

(An ode to my grandmother)