The Twist Of Life In Verse

Father

Hey father,
Our constant bickering doesn't matter
You're old fashioned and strict
But know  how to make tasty dishes.

You started your journey,
When you left home and joined Indian Army.
Before you could even pass twelfth,
To take care of your big family.

Went to unit instead of college,
Followed orders instead of bunking classes,
Spent many nights patrolling under the starry sky.
Got transferred,  every now and then.

With no guarantee of future,
You worked hard.
Went into the kargil war,
Just a few months after I was born.

You weren't always there,
To take care of us.
You were busy protecting the Nation,
It was your duty,  that mattered more than us.

You didn't know the size of my shoes,
What grade I was in,
What my favourite colour was,
Or what my ambition as a kid was.

Yes father, I cried.
Thinking of all those times I still cry,
I don't have many father - daughter moments with you,
But remember, even as a kid
I have always respected you.

During those welfare meetings,
I would see some soldiers saluting you,
You would give them orders,
They would follow and listen to you.

It was because of your transfers,
I got a chance to see so many cities.
Met so many people,
Made so many different memories.

You couldn't take me to hospital,
But you would write sick leave application.
You couldn't take us out on tours much,
But when you went on exercises,
You would never forget,
To bring me dolls and tiny bangles.

Even after you retired,
Soldiers would still salute you.
Your intelligence and bravery,
Is still admired by so many,
Out of those I'm one too.

You know how to cook,
How to play music,
You are still fit,
When most people,
At your age suffer from obesity.

You can speak so many dialects so well,
Even with rough hands
You take of the plants tenderly,
You are kind, you are strong,
You fill me with confidence,
Even then, even now.

This is for you father.
We may not have a close bond, but we have a strong bond.