An ode to dear Subash

An ode to dear Subash
P K Routray
Far back in seventy did we finish our education,
And to pursue life further each of us left for a destination.
And then many a moon went up and down for forty long years
Witnessing our toil and tribunes and our little tales of success and failure,
Our journey of life settled us back in this city again
Holding promise of togetherness for a long time unbroken;
But one fateful day, destiny fancied into this sweet tale a sour twist
With a cruel slight of hand it pried you apart from our midst.
Knowing, you wouldn’t stand up and reel off your jokes again
Nor, sing your old vintage songs in a mirthful vein
is a dreadful shock the heart cannot bear!
Searching eyes will in vain look for you, O’ my dear!
With a voice of velvet and pranks so crafty
You always were our source of pleasure and a gem so lofty.
Over may be your role from this planet,
perfectly performed, which the best of mortals may covet;
You will never cease to be an inspiration for your family and friends,
who would for ever remember your smiles and emulate your trends!
I saw you with our hopes still high, a few days before your death
surrendering to somebody meekly with no guts or strength
Men are mortal but not wishing to die, they cry
But with a smile at the eleventh hour, your favorite bittle you did try
Running your tongue over the juice of life for the last time
You savoured the last drop, singing silently your last rhyme.
Your task over, you might have reported back to the Director Superior,
we pray Him for your liberation and no mortal roles further.