Echoes of absence
My father raised me high, to touch the stars afar. He perched me upon the moon. My father unfurled my wings, guided me to the sky. He released me to soar, to ascend and defy. Carried me with delicacy, in the palm of his hands.
He warned me, "When I'm not here, it'll feel tough, but also warm. It'll be your anchor in hard times. But it'll teach you longing, how to manage without me, how to carry on, how to live and how to keep going no matter what."
So, father, today I stand here in all my vulnerability. To break down, and cry, tired of being so strong. Your little girl finds it difficult to bear your loss. It has been eating me alive everyday for six years. Your absence bears a heavier weight on my shoulders than my own demons. Father dearest,
Having you around made me feel safe and okay. Now that you're not here, it's tough, I'll say. With you by my side, I didn't have to worry at all. But now, without you, it's scary, and I feel small.
You were right, baba, the world's harsh and unkind. Facing those demons solo, I lost what I defined. I need you to hold me tight when I cry, be there when I'm down, cheer me on when I succeed, and love me, always around.
Because no matter where, how or whom I end with father, you will always be the first man to ever love me, to ever cherish me, to ever protect me, to ever have looked after me; you will always be my hero.










