We Pray For You

We Pray For You

P K Routray

Tears on every eye,

some in silence, some in loud cry,

heart breaking was the scene

as lay there motionless, a rare gene

with smile on her lip bidding us, the mortals, adieu

bangles on her wrist shining with its usual elegant hue,

vermilion on her forehead with its proud display

“On this mortal remain, the Almighty has asked me to stay.”

Thus speaks with authority the much acclaimed gospels of the Hindu religion

“Such death embraces a soul performing deeds life after life with noble mission.”

True in fact in this life in her such divine traits were amply seen

whether a stranger or distant relation got her love same as kin.

Hats off to Dei for your role as daughter, sister, cousin and mother

being a rural girl you could row so well in a life with Khira bhai reared in ultra modern atmosphere.

Just after Golden jubilee of your marriage anniversary you left him alone

You being dearest God, hope you will ensure his long life as a hale hearty, calm composed person.

Of seven generations of several clans, you were a proud possession.

We all together, from here on the earth and above pray for your earliest divine incarnation.

( N.B-Mrs Bharati paul is the eldest cousine of my wife. Her hus band Mr Khiroda Paul was a physics professor. Mrs Paul expired on 22^nd Dec. in the lap of her husband. As per Hindu rituals the married ladies wear banjels called sankha and put vermillion on forehead. It is treated as Heavenly blessings to die while husband is alive on his lap when her soul gets liberated.

This poem is dedicated to her.)