AN ODE TO MY FATHER ON HIS 98th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

 AN ODE TO MY FATHER ON HIS 98th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 

Located amidst stretched fields in a village backward and old, 

Youngest of three, your spirit was cast in a different mould. 

Poverty's grip was tight, yet your dreams refused to wane, 

By kerosene's faint glow, knowledge became your gain.

 

No velvet cushion, no books laden on a shelf, 

Street lamps were your tutors, the night your only pelf. 

Fire in your eyes, a vision etched so clear,

To lift your family, chase away every tear.

 

Years blurred in a torrent, ambition your only guide, 

A promise you whispered, forever by your side. 

Then came the sweet triumph, a smile that lit the way, 

For your family's struggle, you finally paved the way.

 

With tireless endeavour, success you did embrace,

Medals of merit, testaments to grace. 

You were a beacon of honesty in the civil domain, 

You served with fierce honour, a shield from every strain.

 

When floods devoured villages, a hero rose to stand, 

Rescue operations, led by a steady hand. 

Your duty called you to treacherous terrain, 

Hunting for outlaws, erasing their wicked reign.

 

In the seat of judgment, your scales held ever true, 

Justice for all, a promise that forever grew. 

The corrupt and cunning felt your righteous might, 

Their misdeeds exposed, they bathed in punishing light.

 

Fear gripped the wicked, your roar a thunder's call, 

Their crimes laid bare, how they trembled, one and all. 

Bribery's whispers met a withering scorn, 

For the downtrodden public, a champion was born.

 

Before I graced this world, a wish bloomed in your heart, 

A daughter, to be the reason for a brand new start. 

Your soaring expectations, a wind beneath my wings, 

To reach for the heavens, the joy that your spirit brings.

 

A father's firm hand, guiding us with care, 

Honesty as our compass, hard work a burden we'd share. 

No favours for anyone the path you followed was full of fight, 

Your values we hold close, a legacy that is always right.

 

Though you've walked on, your spirit forever remains, 

A guiding light, whispering through life's joyous strains. 

Papa, our hearts brim with pride, a love that knows no end, 

For the man you were, the values you gave us will never bend.

                            *****