helen99: A windswept tree against a starlit sky (Default)
helen99 ([personal profile] helen99) wrote2007-04-17 09:26 am
Entry tags:

(no subject)

This poem was written by Arjun Janah (a.k.a., Babui), one of my college friends. He met my mother maybe 3 times 30 years ago. He remained in touch with me over the years (one of the two people who did -- the other one's in Switzerland).

Even though so much time has elapsed, and even though he only saw her a few times, he remembers my mother accurately.

He just sent me this poem:


Is She Gone, Then?

I knew her for a little while,
But still remember well her smile,
Her gentle wit, her calm, her grace,
Those eyes, so kind, that lit her face…

Where has she gone, those left behind
Now often ask, as in each mind
She lives, and does, with each, converse...
If only we could death reverse!

But no, she's gone, and won't return,
What's left is ashes in an urn…
And yet, and yet, she never died,
But only sleeps, from life untied…

Ah come, ah come, then wake again,
Feel sun and cold, and pleasure, pain…
This weekend, we will visit you,
Have coffee, yes, and cookies too…

Babui / Arjun Janah
2007 April 16th, Mon.
Berkeley, California

[identity profile] jolantru.livejournal.com 2007-04-17 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
*hugs*

[identity profile] czarina-laura.livejournal.com 2007-04-17 03:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Helen, your friend wrote such beautiful words - you mother must have been such an impressive person...

*hugs*

Best wishes to you and your family.

[identity profile] historychick49.livejournal.com 2007-04-17 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
That's a beautiful poem. Thank you for posting it.

[identity profile] aireathiel.livejournal.com 2007-04-18 02:03 pm (UTC)(link)
..i like how he writes as if she is just away on a trip :) Cos..that's how it really is. Only for a little while
And while we wait, we indulge in happy memorys