An Epic Journey Poem by Pushpinder Kaur

An Epic Journey

Three days of nearness
with my Father
nearness of hearts and minds and souls...
One that exists always
but having my head
next to his
to hear him breathe
at 95
Sometimes, lifting my head
to watch him breathe
the warmth of his
old, wrinkled yet strong hand
in mine
The hand that I remember
Leading and supporting
All along
A hand that always stood tall in blessing
The lonely hand that sought mine-
My Mother, being silent now…

The epic journey
prepared through months of
careful planning,
judicious maneuvering
and frugal organising
through the rigmaroles of
tasks and tasks and tasks
chores, duties, responsibilities

Ended-
With the farewell word
Left unspoken, till the last
Life heaps guilt, pain and abandonment
As helplessly I take leave
expecting-
my now, very old Father
to be strong and spirited
which would keep me so...
He smiles and bids farewell
Though within the smile
I read an Acceptance
that I Carry with me
on my return journey
Living the make belief
That all's good and will be so.

June 8,2017