Ode To The Unsung Hero - Father

When I was blooming inside my mother's womb,

Secretly oh dad, you were praying for a girl.

When everyone else said that you needed a son,

You patiently waited for me to born.

When grandmother said I looked more like my mother,

You secretly wished that I get your feature.

I learnt to crawl faster because on the other end it would be you.

Rejoicing my growing pace and clapping for all my learnings new.

You held my hand when I took my first step,

You taught me colours green, blue and red.

You supported my arms when I started with alphabets,

And you didn't leave them until I spelt them correctly.

I went to school and made new teachers, learnt new games and stories of Lord Jesus.

I learnt swimming and paddled your bicycle, wore your long shirt and big black spectacles.

I wanted to become like you dad, I wished to make you proud.

I tried hard to beat the first girl, only to hear you cheering my name loud.

You supported my failures and lead me to success,

I couldn't win you any trophy but you showed no regret.

I understand your sacrifices oh father,

They are no less than the pain of labor.

Mother gave me birth and brought me to this world but your entire life is no less than those nine months.

Now when you say you are proud to be my father

And thank your Lord to give you a daughter,

My life feels meaningful but what about those killed foetuses.

This world is brutal to have killed so many daughters,

They were not lucky enough to have someone like you oh father.

I have grown up now and you want me to get married.

But secretly wonder why I don't like any boy.

Let me tell you, it's your fault to have set the standard so high.

On my wedding day when I walk down the aisle beside you,

Please hold my hand tighter, than you did on the first day of school.

My steps won't stumble but I would need your arms,

When I take those seven oaths and you make my kanyadaan.

No matter where I go and whoever I become,

I'm your little girl who secretly wished to get your features.

When I was blooming inside my mother's womb,

I heard you talking to me and a part of your heart was beating inside mine