Dear Ajoba…

 

Thank you,

For the day I was born,

In my nothingness and innocence,

You let me curl

My tiny fingers around your thumb...

 

Thank you,

For when I cried out loud,

And had no words to say

You smiled at me lovingly,

And quietened me someway...

 

Thank you,

For when I did something wrong,

And hated my Mom,

I could run to you,

And climb up into your arms...

 

Thank you,

For when all I could think of

Was to hide behind the gate,

You followed my tricycle

And ensured that I ate...

 

Thank you,

For when I didn't feel like sleeping

And asked for elves and fairies

You ruffled my hair gently

And told me little stories...

 

Thank you,

For when I wanted to chatter

And cooked up meaningless things

You listened to me patiently

And laughed at my jokes...

 

Thank you,

For when I walked down the street

And loved a stupid toy

You spent all your pension

For my momentary joy...

 

Thank you,

For when I fell asleep over my books

While studying in the night

You got me milk, took me to bed

And switched off all the lights...

 

Thank you,

For when I won a little prize

And conquered a tiny quest

I had your divine feet to touch

I felt all the more blessed...

 

Thank you,

For when I lost out a battle,

And felt astray,

You encouraged me to try again,

And taught me how to pray...

 

 

I fall short of words

For I can never capture

All your affection and love

In the few lines of poetry

That I tried to write above

 

And they say you're dead,

Oh, I don't believe the world

For they can never ever see

That till the moment I breathe

You shall live within me...

 

 

 

 

 

Tapasya Patki

Graduate Student/Graduate Research Assistant

Department of Computer Science/Nexus of Entrepreneurship and Technology

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ 85721

Monday, February 4, 2008