Mourning the loss

Dear Gift,
You left us too soon -
We did not want to let you go.
You are too precious, too dear,
Too excellent.
You are as rare as the rarest bird
That rested here for a time,
Then flew away,
Continuing on its journey.
We thank you for resting a while with us, Gift,
For giving us your joy, your love, your brilliance.
In the evening song of the Indian Pitta,
We listen to your words of wisdom.
In every butterfly that passes by,
We feel your buoyant smile,
In our hearts, our minds, and our actions,
You remain with us always

Your gift to us

your life.

-Anne Dayanandan (Colleague and Friend, 1975-88)
Currently: Associate Librarian, Madras Christian College.