I Wish

I used to wish for many things.
I wished for a dog I could raise.
I wished to meet Superman.
I wished for my father’s praise…

I wished people I love wouldn’t leave;
I wished for love and laughter…
I once believed in fairy tales
And a happily ever after.

I wished, and I wished,
And slowly, I grew,
And woefully realised
All wishes do not come true.

And, if they did,
They brought deception,
For I thought I’d be happy
At their reception.

So I wish now to be wise;
But then I set this wish on you;
A gentle wish that I
Not miss us more than you.

Strain

Sickness has taken over my house
And its roof and walls are rumbling;
People outside are dying too,
And the world beside is crumbling.

I strain to let go of bowels;
But there is no strength left to strain;
My body seems to give up;
I am weakened by all this pain.

Doctors can only do so much;
Medicines have all been tried;
Yet this feeble breath that rallies
Tells me soft, you have not yet died.

Christmas 2020

I will place the Laurel wreath,
I will put up the green tree,
I will laugh with concerned friends,
And that’s just what you will see.

The tears I shed for us,
At each breaking of dawn,
Won’t be placed in the crib,
You bought from Bandra town.

The wrenching of my heart
Succumbing to sorrow
Will not be baked in cakes
I order tomorrow.

There will be the advent,
There’ll be carols and cheer;
But all will be aware
You chose not to be here.

There will be frost and ice;
At home, all that is nice;
But, in my heart and head,
I’m crucified instead.