Poetry

An Entreaty

It was broad day light when-

In seething rage the Lady cried out-

‘Help me! Someone please help me!

She’s trying to throttle me!’

No one believed her-

 For trust worthy helpers took care of her

A very sick old Lady she was but-

The most precious treasure of everyone’s life

Thinking  senility was making her hallucinate-

To God they prayed to keep their precious one sane!

None ever suspected the helper to be a malicious schemer

A hypocrite she was- swathed in a cloak of goodness and goodwill

The truth is finally divulged  but-

The beautiful, loving,  precious Lady is gone forever!

In vain they yearn to set the clock back.

For a little innocent ignorance and a lot of trust-

A very heavy  price they had to pay!

Forgiveness is all they ask for but-

Who will bestow it now?

The light in the darkness of life has mingled and vanished

The dagger of trust and unawareness of the fact-

 Thrust, pierced  and tore their heart and-

Down their cheeks flow  uncontrollable tears of remorse

But it’s no soothing balm to ease their fathomless pain

The cross of unconciousness of the reality burdens the heart

As the Lady’s teary face before their eyes flashes-

Regrettably never could they have ever imagined-

How callous and an expert actor a person could be

Conniving vicious plans with an ever smiling face!

‘You have been snatched away  but in our hearts you reside forever!

Oh, our dearest loving Lady-

How very sorry we are indeed –

We mistook your truthful words for rambling

Thinking your prolonged illness and old age had made you delirious –

Undoubtedly their viciousness has come to light but you are gone, dearest Lady

What a great loss it is to us!

We shudder at the thought of what you must have suffered

We wish and pray for your peace and solace in God’s kingdom

The sword of guilt forever will hang over our heads

If only we could get you back-

The perpetrators would  definitely be duly punished

A peaceful comfortable life you could then have

But alas, you  are in a far off world of no return-

So a wishful thought it is!

Forgive us, our dearest loving Lady-

Please do forgive us-

We beg of you – to forgive us!’

                                                                             ~Anuradha S. Bannore

                                                                              Vadodara, India

2 Comments

  1. this is a sad narrative, which throws light upon the fact as to how helpers can be a
    menace. However trustworthy they may seem one has to be decisive about how much lead, trust and free hand should be given to them.
    the lesson learned from this heartrending poem is bitter … not only trust has been betrayed but unfortunately the complaints of the aged lady were taken as ramblings.
    May the lady’s soul rest in peace and give peace to the bereaved

  2. Thank You Anuradhaji for this eye opener