First In My Life Poem by Latha Krishnan

How do I begin to tell you?
What you mean to me?
Father, friend, the first man in my life!

You paced an entire night with me in your arms
When my little 4 year old ear ached;
You were by me whenever I was ill and cried for you!
You held my hand every time I crossed the road
Or slipped on life's treacherous paths,
Steadying me with your strength, counsel and love

You filled our house with books so
I would read and imbibe
Your love for literature and language
And later you unlocked for me
The rich enchantment of Keats and Shelley
Walter Scott, Dumas, Ayn Rand and more!

You inspired me at every step of my life
With your words, deeds and work, and prepared me
To strive and to excel in every venture I undertook
Whether in studies, professions or friendships,
Why - even in being a good wife and mother!

Now, my dear father, I do not have words to thank you
For all that you have done for me!
For all that you have been to me!

I can't find words that describe
My undying love for you, the man who remains
And will always be
First in my life!