Shadow of Security: A Daughter's Ode to Papa

Seven years have passed, yet Papa, I still miss you.

I am your daughter, Papa, striving hard to cope with this world without you.

It feels like being 'alone, alone in a wide, wide sea'.

Papa, will you be there with me from above? Will you be my angel, Papa?

Before taking your last breath, you showed concern towards me, Papa. 'I don't fear death, but who will take care of you, my honey? You are ALONE.' Yes, I am, Papa.

Where have you gone, Papa?

Death was inevitable because you had a left ventricular aneurysm, a risk factor of 90%.

Still, I had hope, Papa.

But the day finally came when the operation was done by safe hands.

It took 14 hours.

You were struggling, on your deathbed,

But still, you gave me the shadow of security.

Did you see me, Papa, in your last dream? Were you thinking only of me, Papa?

We shared the best Papa-daughter chemistry.

When you come in my dreams, Papa, I feel very happy, very secure.

The smile you put on my face, nobody else can.

I was your princess, Papa.

When I used to call you, Papa, remember, you would answer without listening to my full sentence, 'No, I can't take you with me today,' or 'I can't bring your favorite biscuits.'

A simple call would do the magic.

Before leaving the world, you came to see me, Papa.

I saw your shadow,

A shadow to bless me,

To let me know you were with me.

But I was scared, Papa,

When the death van arrived.

We three (mother, brother, and I) were your only friends to send you off, Papa.

I miss you a lot, Papa.

Yes, Papa, I am striving.

Your brave daughter is struggling.

When I close my eyes, I feel so void, Papa.

A void that cannot be filled.