In Memorium ( Remembering My Brother- in –law)

I was your last companion

at the bed side when
your breath stuck to unreality,

you fell like a broken bough

softly on our tear drenched eyes,

you went to rest in peace,leaving

behind endless tasks, as tough

as you were soft while you breathed.

I could not read the signs;
the candle did not light up,the

dogs howled all night and the

amiable lift man chose to be rash,

the swipe machine did not function,

the premonitions went unread.

I could not give you the food you

asked before surgery, could not

stop the flow of blood, could not feel

your time was up, your dreams ended

the reckoning was over forever,

prayers and doctor’s efforts turned

futile, the rest was a dark silence.

Your dear ones cried, wailed but

I was stoned to brave the moment

listening to the call of duty, to take

your lifeless body for final farewell,

but why did you part half way when

the entire road was open for you

to reach your destiny – maybe it
was your destiny to leave us destitute.


Sabita Sahu