Uncle Passed Away Poem by Madathil Rajendran Nair

Uncle passed away in sleep
In the wee hours today in peace
The breeze held its sibilant breath
Leaves paused and listened in depth

He was ninety-two, three-fourth blind
Yet, exuberant like a playful child
Never did he mouth a complaint
His smile never ever waned

He lived all alone in a bustling town
As his kin and children worked abroad
He never sought a helping hand
Content full with his own hands

And a maid who came once a day
To cook his food and clean the place
His mood upbeat, infectious grace
Enthralled those who saw his face

The world for him was a shadow play
Delights galore in dance and sway
As he swished and made his way
Silent like a fish in a bay

He moved in and out of his flat
His sense of touch made sure that
He was always on the right spot
With his unfading smile intact

He knew where what was placed
The right elevator button to press
Sense of touch told him well
The exact count in his wallet’s swell

Uncle proved exemplary
To all his contemporaries
He was the best lesson they could have
On graceful aging sans fear of grave

Smiling on his bed he lay
Rustle and winds stilled mid-way
A white lamb stood bleating at his feet
It was death, helpless, uncle had it tricked