Silent Words.....

Many a time I have tried to console myself,

But still, I remember those silent words.

The words he spoke to me when he lay on bed,

When the invitation of death was about to arrive.

Nothing filled the atmosphere except the dreaded silence.

But, then also, I could hear him speak words through his eyes;

And understand the language of his heart.

He lay on bed- helpless and still alive by the mercy of God.

I didn't have the courage to speak,

Words could not come out of my mouth.

I felt dumb and weak.

I prayed to God in my  heart.

When I spoke 'papa' he didn't open his eyes.

I asked my mother with pain and shock, the reason?

She consoled me.

When I spoke 'Papa' repeatedly he opened his eyes wide open.

His eyes seemed like an ocean of words.

His lips moved, but still he couldn't speak.

He held my hand, I bowed my head.

He kissed me all over my face desperately

as if he knew he wouldn't meet me again.

Tears flowed down his eyes.

I couldn't stand anymore his pathetic condition.

He looked at me continuously

as if he would fill my picture in his eyes.

He seemed to be asking

why this is happening?

He didn't want to die,

for he loved me a lot.

I started trembling and felt empty within myself.

My throat got filled with pain and sorrow.

I ran outside quickly crying loudly 'Papa' again and again.

Everyone around became motionless and looked at me in silence.

That night I couldn't sleep.

I cried out loudly in great pain.

The other day he came home at dawn,

Clad in white cloth.

I felt like having a dream.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

I touched his feet and didn't let him being taken away.

I wept and wept and wept so much.

An unending trauma

seemed to have surrounded me.

I cried 'Papa' repeatedly.

But, he just went on the bier

to be reduced to ashes.

I still remember his last words,

My name, that he spoke again and again.

Those silent words which I 

will never be able to hear again.