Fond memories of a remarkable man, my father.

author:  mahengonsal
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I remember my father and shed a tear
Most gentle and kind without preamble;
Principled, honest and always humble
Hot tempered for sure but quite sincere

A sense of humour all season
Lover of so many sports;
Jack of all trades and all sorts
Skilled gardener, joiner and mason

Not accustomed to book reading
Most at home outdoors, close to nature;
Enjoyed a Jaffna cigar old and mature
A post meal nap in a chair reclining

Digging and planting vegetables by day
Khaki shorts and bath from well after;
Manioc, chili paste and dry fish brings on laughter
Young coconut milk and cigar, the day ends a perfect way

Education, education, and education
Stressed so much on learning;
Play of course, but only after studying
A life better than he had, his determination

Faithful to cattle he grew up with you can tell
Never ate beef all his life and more;
"How could I ever eat those I cared for
These gentle creatures who served us so well"

Loved a game of three cards and a good meal
Devoted to wife and children no question;
Buddhist by example, dogma he did shun
On priestly misbehaviour, his disgust not conceal

Born in a village, not much direction
Yearned for a better life, very much steadier;
Lost father early, elder brother became the Leader
Stubborn, determined not without ambition

Left home and sought a new life
Joined a Cart troupe not just for thrills;
Became a man and learnt new skills
Traveled far and wide amidst much strife

Returned home and immersed in study
Became a Teacher, made effort with sincerity;
Entered a world so full of opportunity
Rejoiced in a new life for which he was ready

In his youth, charming and smartly dressed
Two tone shoes and matching suit;
Enjoyed a good meal with a beer to boot
Often seen at Hotel Buhari, most impressed

Dapper, smart and debonair
Much desired, a good proposition;
Tussore suit and friendly disposition
Walked about with a jaunty air

A man needs a good wife he did opine
A suitable arranged match, took it in his stride;
A young and beautiful unspoiled bride
Started the life he dreamt would be devine

Happiest in vest and sarong, all humility
Lover of meat soup with bone;
Not given to pleasures alone
Strived always for the best for his family

Ever protective of juniors who never lost trust
Supportive of employees when he was the boss;
Totally trustworthy, never lost that gloss
Uncompromising on principles, dutifully robust

When we were unwell and lying in bed
Feeling sore, rotten, awful and hot;
Father walks in quietly with voice so soft
Sits by the bed and fondles your head

Enjoyed a hot chicken curry that warms
with rice and coconut sambol also there;
Then reclining on an easy chair
Legs propped up on its unfolded arms

Stinking Jaffna cigar on his lips visible
A son scratching his head while there
Emits a ripping sound from the rear
Not a ripple on his face that he's responsible

Serene and lost in thoughtful rumination
Gently falling asleep, snores holding sway;
And as the son tries to slips away
Stirs to life and requests continuation

As years passed, inevitable as night follows day
He became more sedate and less and less desirous;
A good meal, grandchildren and sleep sonorous
Content and dreamy with recollections of his Way

A good life well spent we recall happily
Taught us values and appreciation of the good;
Just a few prejudiced concepts from his era stood
Above all a gentle and good man, dedicated to wife and family



 
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