Your Blissful Soul - * EVEN NOW I REMEMBER MY FATHER *

~*~



          Even now, I remember my father,

          Whose eyes were like the Sun and the Moon

          Which showed the beauty of the World

          And the ways of the worldly men around,

          With a desire to make me enlightened!

          ~*~

          Even now, I remember my father's voice

          Which was melodious and magnificent

          In singing the verses of classical Plays in

          Musical tunes at nights under the full moon,

          When I was only a child lying upon his breast!

          ~*~

          Even now, I remember my father's hands

          Which were strong and divinely dexterous

          In making wooden carvings with artistic designs,

          Which beautified our village school buildings,

          With  beautiful ceilings and excellent furnishings!

          ~*~

          Even now, I remember my father's words which

          Expounded the meanings of the verses of Scriptures

          To the people who assembled in our house verandah

          During the holy days of Kartika, the Eighth lunar month

          And his chantings of holy hymns at the times of worship!

          ~*~

          Even now, I remember my father's face which

          Shone like the Sun while he was meditating on Shiva

          And his holy ways of life following the principles such

          As speaking truth, practicing penance, and performing

          Righteous acts, and desiring the welfare of all beings!

          ~*~

          Even now, I remember his Moon like face with lovely

          Smiles when he was honored by all at our native place;

          He used to say, he was neither a doer nor an enjoyer

          Of his actions, and like Shiva, he was only a witness Soul

          Free from all attractions and all worldly attachments!



          ~*~



          -venkat

          *I dedicate this poem to my father

          Who is alive in my fond memories.