I Will Carry You Home Poem by Rani Turton

Son, I will carry you home.
The Etawah Government Hospital does not know
The extent of my love for you. You were born
In a poor family but we loved you.
When you were born I, your father,
Carried you so easily.
Blood of my blood, I was so proud
Not knowing that I, Udayveer,
Would have to carry you, Pushpendra,
On my shoulders, lifeless, to our home.
They said they were busy; nothing could be done.
Nobody asked me how I would take you home.

My son. My child. Come with me.
I will carry you home.
I will struggle, I will die
I will take you home so that
You can rest. That you may join the other realm
Of compassion real.
I am a poor man, my son.
I have laboured hard with sweat and tears.
But not even the richest father would have done
What I have just done.
Son, I will carry you home.

Copyright: Rani Turton

N.B: The lack of ambulances and hospitals in some Indian hospitals have led to the unbelievable situation of the very poor having to carry the bodies of their family members home.