On Her Wedding Day Poem by Janak Desai

Poem for my daughter, on her wedding day
Not so long ago… Or is it my dear NEHA…?
That Very first day of school...….and the tears,
Where have gone all those years?
Where……. have gone… all those years?

Memories…
These are memories which are standing still
Winter spring summer or fall
I don't even have to recall
They are always standing tall

Memory of….. You… Holding my hand,
That slow walk along the school sidewalk
And….the silent fear in your silent talk
Listening to your racing heartbeat
Looking towards your… mom,
Wondering…. if she would speak

Memories, Memories … about you dear
A woman, A beautiful woman now
… who now… knows no fears
A girl holding my hand that day to school
Now walks a new walk? after many a turns of clock

Memories … Memory of the first day
Memories of your arrival at home
from the delivery room
I remember: I remember you lying on my chest…
...a little angle with two big eyes
You… slowly closing them and - falling asleep,
I realized that day what a bond is
I realized that day what security blanket is
I realized what a pleasure is

The road unknown we have travelled since
… The piano and the practice
… The dance class and racing heartbeat
… The chemistry class and the nervous weep
Mom and I trying to put your fears to sleep

Your inquisit mind however…
… soon forget the weep
And take us on a question mountain so steep
And i… wanting to catch some sleep
Had thought many a times
This must be in our genes

All those paths now have come home..
The address is one,
Your mind is decisive one
You have succeeded
You… have conquered
You have triumphed
The school.. The college… The university
And of course… मेंहदी designs
We all are proud of… Which
You have mastered single handedly on your own
And, Something you have dreamed and
planned for a long time…. Your wedding
For your wedding,
You have brought us to a glittering dome
You are now going to your home

And… As you are going…
I want to defay the saying
That daughter is departing..
You my dear Neha… …you are just starting
So… I want to say today That…
I am not going to miss you at all
Because you have taught me how to call
You have taught me to say
…. ‘I love you' at end of each and every call

With cell phones and whatsapp
With skypes… hangouts and all
There is no distance… no distance at all.

Janak Manilal Desai