Stroked Feelings Poem by RAJ NANDY

My dad lay motionless and still
In his wheel chair
Rolled out into the verandah
His frail body caressed
By the morning sun, perhaps
Giving him some warmth and comfort.

The trees had all shed their leaves
And stood motionless, silhouteed
Against the blue winter sky.

Dad wouldn’t speak or move,
Though his sight was intact,
With a vacant stare.
The cerebral stroke had left
Rest all paralyzed!

Sitting beside him I recalled
The days when time was young
And how we had played in our
Garden lawn in the winter sun.
The memories of younger days
Came rushing by……
But could he hear or even feel?
Alas! I heaved a sigh!
I spoke to him softly hoping—
He could hear my words,
Holding his hand gently in mine.
I looked up at his wrinkled face
And to my great surprise,
Saw a single tear dropp rolling down
From his vacant eyes.


(20/04/07)