When Father Passes Away

Father's Day has come I look at your cot Lying vacant. The house you built with toil Family you raised with love Are left behind. Mangoes are still hanging from branches The coconut trees are standing The garden still wears its usual green. But- - -who will take us to the garden To show the flowers and fruits? Who will encourage us To clean the garden of weeds? The hibiscus and white roses are in blooms The squirrelsqueaks The crow caws Are they missing you? How all of a sudden The scenery changes! You are not seated On your favorite chair A blankness occupies the house You are missed You are missed, dear father. No, I am not crying As I know You are still there In your absence. The values you transplanted in us Are like roots From which grow new roots and new trees Yes Father, we are new trees Growing from your root.