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 – 5th 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.
