LOSS

As a little child when, I used to lose my pencil

Panic would overcome me,

with despair my heart would fill

I wouldn't rest till I found it and in case I did not

I couldn't concentrate on a thing,

unless I got it or (in the rare case) forgot!

I remember that feeling of emergency but I also remember

that the true emotion of loss,

the episode did never usher

Things go harmlessly, some never to be found again

For who knows if that pencil was

in the flowing stream or on rough terrain.

Harmless absence of little things

would've perhaps been my closest encounter

With the meaning of loss, until it was time for destiny to flounder!

When I had moved from school to university,

and from crayons to pens

When I had got myself a career and graduated from dolls to friends

Lightning struck and the clouds were overcast,

the truth of loss I was to find

My shelter and haven, the epitome of wonder, only one of a kind

A mother so great, a woman so gentle,

my friend so close - that's what she was

Away she was taken never to be returned to teach me what was loss!

Things are created in all their glory to be savoured to the last drop

But once they're gone, you've got to move on,

even if you want to, you can't stop.

Yes, the memory comes back to you, brings with it the tears of ache,

Yet if you would realize - it's a test by heaven,

to see how much you can take!

Everything teaches something and my loss taught me how to lose

For winners are they who take their losses

just the way they choose

I did lose a jacket two days ago but now I know what loss meant

Greater things had been taken from me,

several others will continue to be sent!

I won't despair, I won't panic,

the greatest lamenting brings no fruit

My loving Creator watches me, sends bountiful joys for me to loot

In the vast scheme of things, my own loss is but a miniscule

I appreciate His presence and

understand now there's no time to drool.

With a heavy heart I remember my loss, with a glad one I thank it

What it taught me is a comfort when it's hot,

in the cold my blanket.

Things will come and things will go, never be fluttered O soul

The journey must continue unabated, I must reach my goal!

Yes the journey must carry on, I must reach my goal!

- Nivedita