In the depths of lockdown's grasp,
I found myself in a distant clasp.
Away from home, away from love,
The pandemic's hold, like an iron glove.
A call from home a fateful day, I felt the pain,
My son was down with fever, I heard his strain,
Of worry and of fear, my heart did ache,
I wished I was there, for my family's sake.
But fate had other plans in store,
Their COVID test results, positive, they bore,
The virus had struck my family down,
I knew I had to be there, or I would drown.
My son's voice trembled and was weak,
It pierced my heart, like a siren's shriek,
"Will no one play with me again? Will I die, Aaba?"
His words stabbed my heart, like a sharp saber.
Hearing my son's cry, I knew I had to go,
Ignoring all protocols, I started to pack and stow,
The five-hour drive felt like an endless endeavour,
My heart raced, my nerves frayed; consumed in terror.
The fear of being stopped by the cops on the way,
Haunted me with each passing mile, on that day,
But I persevered; I wouldn't give up the fight,
Not when they needed me, the time wasn't right.
Finally, I made it home, to my wife and son,
My heart was pounding, but race not yet won,
I hugged my son tight, though I knew it wasn't right,
I assured him he'd be fine; everything would be alright.
Yes, I got infected too, but my heart did not falter,
My family needed me, I couldn't just alter,
A father's love, surpasses every bound,
Overpowering all, with a resounding sound.
In the darkest hours, in the toughest times
Our love, our strength, like a bell, chimes,
Though the world may shake and quake
Father's love, the bond, will never break.
By Nending Ommo
Disclaimer: This poem was published in Prayas magazine by the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) on April 2, 2024. We do not hold the rights to this work.
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