Meter Monday: "Father"

by Ashwini Selvakumaran

When I was younger you hoisted me on your broad shoulders,

Every Sunday, you carried me to the bookstore,

Instilling my love of writing, as I became older.

When I was younger, you took me to the lake

You taught me about the world,

Dreams, wishes and heartbreak.

When I was younger

You lifted me towards the stars,

Looked me in the eye, told me I was going to go far.

When I was younger,

I’d wait for your arrival, it’s true

From work you’d never fail to come,

And give me a kiss and an “I love you.”

Now I’m older

I write about my dreams,

I write about my travels,

The worlds that I’ve seen.

Now I’m older

I’ve felt my heart breaking,

But you held me so tender

When I was aching.

Now I’m older,

The stars gleam in my eye

I’m never afraid to do anything new,

All because those years ago, you muttered “You must always try.”

Now I’m older,

I remember all the lessons you’ve taught,

I remember those joyful memories

Those stolen moments that can never be bought.

And now you’re older,

You’ve poured your depth of knowledge

Into me,

Everything you’ve ever known.

Anything you’ve ever seen.

The lessons you’ve taught me are beyond compare,

Kindness, generosity, wisdom

The sweet lessons you’ve whispered into my hair.

You’ve taken me around the world,

Exposed me to places of distress,

Made me realise how passionate I am

To prevent the world from making a mess.

You took me to my dreams

And expanded my horizons

You’ve opened up my mind

Where my wishes lie in.

And my heart aches

When I see you go,

The essence of time so quickly,

But if it must be so;

I will wait, and watch the clock

Tick tock, all the hours in store,

But, I’ll wait till it’s Sunday again

Where you’ll faithfully carry me to the bookstore.

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