TIME has a beautiful way

of gradually absorbing

from our hearts the pain of loss,

as cotton gauge

applied over a wound.

 

Even as the dull ache ebbs away

with more application

 of the time balm –

the scar leaves behind

 it’s mark and essence:

Converting gently into a slide show

or at times – random frozen shots

 of cherished memories,

which become more alive

 than the wound was.

 

You then transcend into

a new life of warm, beautiful

 memories that nothing

 but your death can rob you of:

It’s as if you’re floating

as a new-born

on a large leaf – on the pond

of everlasting memories. 

*****

Lying on the bed I woke up in – this very day – 5^th January, 2005 – the day I lost my father: I’m searching for the pain I had lived with for long in my soul.

But twelve years hence –  there’s not even a residue of it to dilute my memories of him. I’m finally free of the ache – to relish my reminiscences.

 

PS: I took all these pictures on a stroll early this morning, just after I wrote these lines. Nature is where I feel the true essence of God and also Baba’s presence – over any temple, church, mosque or gurudwara…All of which are one to me! Nature speaks to me over any wall, dome or stone idols.