To G—-

I remember many a thing
That a special moment to the mind can bring:
I remember our Childhood –
Can we forget it? (Oh, as if we could!)
I remember the orange horizons and purple clouds,
The Garden with the butterfly crowds;
I remember a sassy little tomboy
And those small, memorable moments of joy;
I remember that blue pretty dress
And you, seated on the divan, in a flare;
I remember those scholastic times of stress,
With you in tartan red and oily hair;
I remember those tube-lit journeys,
Of valiant Rescues and rural Journeys;
I remember the coterie of friends
And you, tagging along at the deep end;
I remember jealousy, too, and fights,
But then there were always ‘Xmas lights.
I remember a Nanny’s favouritism,
But that made up for my criticism.
I remember you turning overnight,
From gauche darkness to vain delight;
I remember hours of reading and listening
And a sharing of likes and mutual feeling;
I remember so many things in this life,
But, through all the joy and the strife,
I remember you always being there –
And although I don’t mention it, I care;
And although I don’t say it (nor do you),
I love you as much as you love me, too.

2nd April.

To Yani.

Travelling down a winding, swerving road,
With Eucalyptus trees on either side,
Just greeted by rain with freshness bestowed
With the morn smiling as a blushing bride,
Moving toward a little hall of fame:
Our quest amidst this Natures beauty,
Making it through to make this claim,
Dissecting friendship from explicit duty.
I have known friends throughout my normal life;
I have been torn apart by some, who
Made the needed choices of daughter, wife,
But, here, on this road, I fondly think of you.
Knowing simply the journey was worthwhile,
Due to the company of your quiet smile.

15th June 2003.
Betul.

To R. P.

The moon has gone through her phases, so have I,
So has life, so has the World around me;
I’ve watched Friendship flower, wither and die –
First day; now it is Night that surrounds me.
In phases, they came – who chose to be friends;
In phases, they went, are going, shall go;
In short, everything, that matters, ends –
Our link’s, perchance, caught in this undertow…
But our link isn’t strained, let alone ended,
Come, let us make most of this happy night.
In Woe or Fear were you not befriended:
Our flower still blooms, unwary of Blight.
Hope and Love bless the smiles of you and me;
And, perchance, forever shall we happy be.
19 December, 2007.