Beautiful poem by a 17-year old : Mere Baba (MY GRANDPA)

Once upon a time, I used to say

I “have” a grandpa, my motivation, strict anyway.

No doubt, it used to be the golden day

when me & my achievements got praised in his unique way.

‘Baba’, I called him, “See a bundle of my achievements”,

‘Titu’, he called me, “Great! But what about AIIMS?”

It was his dream to see me qualify AIIMS,

With a photo in the newspaper & pride on his face!

But I faced a dilemma at the stage of choosing stream,

whether my potential or Baba’s dream.

I turned my decision, recognized my potential,

Chose commerce, that was tough but surreal.

I couldn’t risk my elders’ expectations, by choosing what I have no interest in

I couldn’t sacrifice my real success, just wanna make them proud & win!

‘Baba’ encouraged me, “do what you are confident with”

Parents supported too, I continued ahead with it.

No one knew, the climax was near

Baba went to Baroda to meet his daughter.

Speech minimized, mood wasn’t bright

I realized, something isn’t right.

Condition worsened, my heart broke

Papa brought him back, who knew? It was the damn stroke!

He could not improve, condition deteriorated

My parents struggled too, hopes & just hopes but improvement restricted.

Never thought to witness this worst scene of my life,

Pity father with the two sisters, crying on the mere body of Baba with no life.

Today I would say I “had” a grandpa, who was initially here with me

But now rests within me, only in my heart and nowhere else I could see.

– Aastha [aastha822004.wordpress.com]