By Prerana Chakraborty
Dear Departed
You were a lilting soul
Evergreen with the ripest tales
Bolder than the deepest red
Softer than the fluffiest bread
Serving just warmth, no stales
Dear Departed
You were like stubborn ivy
You creeped into hearts
Trespassing through quilted domes
Your benevolence became sheltered homes
What became someone’s entire world
Were your fragmented, shared part
Dear Departed
Your eyes always gleamed ivory
You exclaimed, Life was
too big for you
To hold on to possibilities
So, you gave them away
to those who needed a cue
In exchange for responsibilities
Dear Departed
You were a believer
You worshiped like a starved devotee
Praying for strength and mercy
Suspicion was a sin to you, second chances were golden
Everyone deserves a ear, their distress to shorten
Dear Departed
You would be a sinner
If only robbing someone’s
Guilt and agony were a crime
The gentlest thief stealing misery
That tortured a broken spirit’s prime
Dear Departed
You were a dreamer
Celebrating milestones
Other than your own
Applauding victories and triumph
Rejoicing them as they are born
Dear Departed
You were blindingly bright
You told you would be a star
Watching over when your last moments took over
We scorned, refusing to indulge in the impossible
We were wrong, you were right as always
To go away so very far
Dear Departed
You were a soldier
Fighting a losing battle
With gusto of an unsung warrior
Longing to stay with the wretched us
Wanting to live a little longer
Dear Departed
You were the deity’s favourite plan
The unnoticed shine in your eyes slimming
Your laboured breaths slipping
We released our heavy breath
Imploring you to take your next with the rest
We never did, it was just us
Your cold fingers blistered ours
The echo of your boisterous laughter
in our ears
Chiming like fading, sorrowful chorus
Dear Departed
We hope you have settled well
In a better home and not another cell
The clouds are painting a desolate sky
Their tears ricocheting like sparkling pearls
Are you crying just like we are?
You would, won’t you? Your kindness swirls
Beyond life, too mulish to part
You generosity was never a lie
Dear Departed
You are our star, just like you wanted to be
You shine brighter than anything else
Illuminating the darkest of the days
You were one of the kind
You are gone in body
But never in the mind