To my niece on her Wedding Day

By Leena Chacko

A reel of moments flashes through my mind,
moments so cherished and so fine.
I remember the day when a crying bundle of joy
made an entry into my not-so-anymore mundane life.
What an excitement just to hold you!
What excuses I made just to be with you!
Endless photo shoots of your every action, your every smile.
Just to see you laugh, I was ready to go an extra mile.
Your endless chatter was a tune to my years.
Your dancing was a treat in all these years.
My heart would break by your cries.
Your sickness would halt my daily life.
Your fantasy over “The 10th Kingdom” and “The Green Gables”
made me interested in every fable.
Your love for Backstreet Boys and every musical piece,
got me to croon though I never knew the correct music keys.
As you wormed through your medical books,
You metamorphosed into a lady with beautiful looks.
A lady, yet still my little one;
to be with, is still sheer joy and fun.
Seeing you in your serious white medical coat
made my heart to proudly boast.
And now, my dear child, as you walk down the aisle,
a joyous moment for me, yet a tear for a while.
My heart beholds as you become a wife,
and I pray that wisdom, love and happiness is all yours
through out your life.