No More Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

Father was running small shop
As trader he was considered flop
Even though with investment he was called merchant
He was gentleman and had no reason to resent

We used to live and pull on bare means
As he was in fix to find two square meals
Income was low and always falling short
His boat was never reaching at port

Totally unconcerned with worldly affairs
He seemed to be kind at heart and very fare
He will call me near and put hand over head
Advise of me of few words and try to read

Tears may just roll from my eyes
As I could see pain in his futile try
He wanted me to grow as fast as possible
To remove all poverty and take the family out of troubles

The hard days existed for many days
He could bear no more and passed away
I was informed of in the school and rushed
So as to witness but nearly got pushed

He was laid straight on ground
People around him were silently found
No one uttered a word but consoled me
As I was still minor and seemed laden with worry

I did not forecast about what would be the future
Now everything was rested with on the mother
I was her sole hope and she had no tears
She was mentally prepared to look forward and bear

I could see and experience little grief
But it soon got vanished and remained for brief
We could wait no more for sad days
There was urgent need to cope and pay

Death of an elder in home is huge loss
It can result in loss and may certainly cause
The heavy burden on family members
To face it bravely with lots of things to remember