We were travelling in a train -
My mother, my sister, me,
and my father.
My father had an interview with a prestigious company,
He had a first-class ticket to travel, but we didn't!
He exchanged the ticket with a complete stranger, and got into the same compartment with us.
But, didn't have a seat for himself.
Nothing unusual for a man who bravely bore the burden of a devastating Partition of his motherland!
Chilly Wintry night, all passengers under blankets, in a deep sleep,
I heard...
Boom..boom...boom! the sound of the train crossing a bridge
The sound of the wheels hitting the railway track - crossing River Kaberi!
That booming sound startled me and made me open my eyes,
and saw my father standing in front of me, alone - exhausted, awfully sleepy,
holding an iron-bar for support,
eyes half-closed,
all night!
somehow managed to find a comfortable spot for us!
To a six-year old,
That was the moment when she thought who was more kind - God, or her Father?
No poet here has given you the answer. Of course, my dear poetess, things occurred to you as you have described them, are one per one MIRACLES, WONDERS. To a six year old child, of course her father is the hero, he is the kindest BUT as you have grown older, you must have found the answer yourself helped by your faith in God and the answer is GOD OF COURSE. He has led your father across borders to the land of promise
That is how fathers are. I am proud father of a precious daughter, who is equally proud of her father.
Very very right - that's how fathers are! I was very proud of my father, as he was of me! He would bring me the Moon, if he could! Thank you.
A very touching poem. Poignant yet beautiful write. Your father is a one of a kind man who went his way to help people. A man of great character. Wonderfully crafted and conveyed.
As you have realized, this is a poem about an experience when I was growing up! The experience of watching my father in a train at midnight, never left me! Glad to share with you!
Well expressed thoughts and feelings. Heartfelt poem with strong emotions, lovely and very passionate. Thanks for sharing, Malabika.
Thanks for reading, Chinedu.This is a topic very close to my heart - the sufferings my parents had to go through after a devastating partition of their country, although this is a separate incident.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
2) I must tell you, that I know that your father must be a man who believes and have trust in God. Your words have spoken for him.I oft read between the lines, dear poetess. He believes in God and that´s why God led your father that way, he managed to find a comfortable spot.for all of you. A father with greatest love for his family and others, since God IS LOVE, dear poetess. Do you see the link? I tell you this, based on your poem!