A day, I remember

A Day I Remember

P K Routray

 

 

Gone to the vanishing history

our forty-four years’ spousal story

since the day when on a decorated altar

amidst plenty of funfair and laughter

we were tied in the nuptial knot

with chanting of hymns by priests, a lot.

With vivacity of youth and carefree life

parents and well-wishers shouldering our strife

the life seemed to be a bed of roses for us.

But the time proved it otherwise as if we plucked flowers of cactus.

Within first ten years of marriage

we were blessed with three daughters as our anchorage

but bade us farewell prematurely both of our fathers

and also orphaned us a host of sweetly related well-wishers

leaving us on our own to shoulder many a responsibility

we both harmoniously tried with honesty and humility.

The result was at the hands of the Lord that we cannot weigh

“ Man is the puppets. He is the Player.” That the scriptures say.

Today now nostalgically I recollect with sigh and pleasure

the moments of the incidents that day now they flutter

live as if they are just happening now

“My sister-in-law is putting sandal paste, vermilion on my brow,

the Palenque with bearers are ready at the door to go

with their traditional songs to make the burden low,

the generator and light of the procession has arrived from town

the drum beaters are ready to do wonders with their customary gown,

the cracker party is ready with lot of our relatives and villagers

they will accompany me the groom led by my younger brothers.

All these were palpating my heart, beats faster

“For a new life with apprehensive fear.”

I fail to pen my better half’s mental sphere

as she tells, surely a lie, now she doesn’t remember.

Time has passed in a twinkle with its power of wiping and sweeping

Gone is our silver jubilee and the golden jubilee is peeping.

“Hey, my partner of life and my daughters’ darling mother!

I do not know how many years further we will be together

you will excuse me for my share of misfortunes and misdeeds

if in the harmony of our conjugal life if it has grown thorny weeds.”

“Hey our kith and kin, family friends, near and dear alive or in Heaven

accept our gratitude and for our omission and commission us, please pardon.”

“Hey Lord! We pray for your blessings on our harmony, health and happiness

and on the society around on this day, we pray for your love and kindness.

 

 

(N.B -To date i.e 3rd Feb 1975 I got married it is just a remembrance.)