The Last Smile

by Dr. Kumarendra Mallick

On that fateful afternoon
at twenty minutes past four
three decades from this day,
my mother gazed at his eyes -
half open, yet the frail frame
of my ailing father wore a smile

Once a superactive body
spanning five years and decades eight
was spread today resembling that of a child -
the same innocence
the same compassion
the same affection
emitting from those benign eyes!

Suddenly...
feeling the pulse getting feebler
my brothers - both doctors
panicked and to boost up his strength
and a few more moments
to lengthen his life
wished to inject a life-saving drug.

But mother raised her shivering hand,
'Hari, stop, no, no more...
in the final moment why to torture
let him go with a smile,
do not prick him again,
let him not have any pain',
said she in all calmness
though surrounded by clouds of darkness

In our mother's wistful eyes
I did not see traces of tears,
there was instead concern, care and love -
rock-solid and ripened with years!

The breath left him but the smile -
his age-old friend and acquaintance,
he left behind to fill our hearts
with pride and divine fragrance...

24-Nov-2010

More By : Dr. Kumarendra Mallick

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Comments on this Poem

Thank you, Shernaz. We were astonished by our mother's courage, we did not grieve with the inevitable but were instead cheered to stick to our father's ideals. We brothers when we talk or think of our parents, we feel proud to have them as our parents. My morning and evening prayers consists of the couplet he repeated in praise of the lord.
Thank you, Shernaz for your appreciation and emotive words. LOve and regards

kumarendramallick
26-Nov-2010 09:26 AM

Dear Mallick, A very touching poem indeed. Deep emotions conveyed without sentimentality.

Shernaz
26-Nov-2010 04:50 AM

Thank you, Madhavi for our emotive response, and candid words.

kumarendramallick
26-Nov-2010 04:26 AM

A very touching poem...reminded me of my dad.

madhavi-godavarthy
26-Nov-2010 00:29 AM