APPA

 Thirty-eight years ago, a light was relinquished

With you died the form, the body confirming the finite nature of existence.

Bhau lit the pyre, we wept, silently in our hearts, displaying was a taboo.

Felt your loss, like a fallen tree that gave us direction, shade, and sheltered life. 

We were broken.

In these thirty-eight years, life went on, as planned, by nature 

Your boys and girls grew older, disease took some away, some managed disease. 

Alliances sprouted descendants, rooted inside, created their own beautiful worlds.

Happiness sustained.

We survived.

Even after thirty-eight years, you are an enigma

Your teachings, so profound, imbued into our souls, through deeds not just words.

Your steadfastness, always bringing us back to the lighthouse

Your honesty, guiding us to appreciate the truth of life.

Your unspoken words, nudging us to think what you would have said, if you were there.

We wonder.

In the future thirty-eight years, we shall perish

Yet the legacy will go on through the genes that we inherited and passed on further.

The heritage will be the beacon of guidance, 

For solving problems of humanity, war, disease, depleting natural resources and principles.

Thinking larger than oneself, for others and leaving behind array of thoughts 

A minimum contribution to this infinite age of earth.

We will continue to let you live on.

Shubhada Sakurikar (nee Kanitkar)

April 3, 2022