Afterglow…

The scorching flames couldn’t stir me,

I rest in peace on the funeral pyre.

The holy waters couldn’t dissolve my departed body,

No fluid could wash away my memory.

Incense and sandalwood and garlands couldn’t;

With their soothing aroma, take away my essence.

The soulful harmony of the dirge,

A solemn end to an eclectic mix of melodies.

The sacred chants couldn’t silence,

Oh the resonance of my reminiscent laughter,

The comforting blanket of condolences,

Couldn’t shake away the cold grief.

Fond remembrances by those near and far,

Were droplets, adding to the tears inundated.

Irony that grief could spout such a celebration;

All about a person, and her spirit,

Both conspicuous, by their absence.

Beyond the realms of earthly confines,

Was a soul, free at last,

Like a phoenix, relishing the boundless sky.

Yet clinging to the past connections,

Woven in an intricate tapestry,

Liberated, but not wanting to let go,

Like the clouds; once water, then vapor,

Yet close to earth, not unfettered from its attraction;

Making contact, when languishing for loved ones,

As the silver linings, when hope is deficient,

Sparkling eyes, peeping through twinkling stars,

Bursting into rapturous laughter, with the magic of lightning to follow,

Then shedding tears of joys, through the showers;

Missing those hugs, now embracing the mountains,

Kind hosts, who ask wandering clouds like me to stop,

Secretly sending my kisses and good wishes through the gleaming cover,

With the golden streaks of sun-rays, my emissaries,

Trying to communicate, in different hues and varied strokes;

Painting my love on the vast canvas,

And sometimes relieving the pain, trying to heal;

By blowing soothing winds, gently on their wounds.

There I was, so near yet so far;

Now I am, so far yet so near….