Ar. MEYYAMMAI ON DSL

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Ar Meyyammai

June 6 at 1:52 PM · 

Farewell to fatherly prof

I rushed to see you
You didn't,
You didn't for once.

Doors closed
Ambulance moved
in a pace you would like!

I followed your convoy quietly.
Eyebrows rose
I rode, eyes welling up
Teardrops rolling down now and then
as I heard you care for me
like nobody else have.
All in a fatherly tone!

You reached your destination
All dressed up for the occasion
Lying down in casket
Bespectacled face
as bright as north star
Your gentle spirit smiling
And peace pervading!

Priests called upon the Lord
Prayed for your soul
Vowed to surrender your body
to mother Nature
And gave way believing in resurrection.

You led us to crematorium
As I saw, you were slided into the chamber
to be reduced to ashes.
You are gone, not for me!

Your gentle spirit smiles,
Your soft voice reverberates,
And peace pervades! Amen!

AR Meyyammai

D. Samuel Lawrence, fondly called DSL, my dear professor, who was genuinely interested in my and my daughter's well-being, passed away on May 23. He made it a mandate to call me at least once a month, even as he was on dialysis, and enquire about us both. I was gifted to have a person like him as my teacher.

I shall always treasure the memories of all that is uniquely you, Sir!

Poetry being spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions, this is the poem I penned down soon after I returned home from the Keerathurai crematorium where Prof DSL was cremated according to his wish. He donated his eyes to Aravind Eye Hospital.