She wanders around the blooming flowers,
Fresh as the morning dew, exuberant as the sunrise.
Oh I could gaze at her for hours,
She stole my heart the day I set my eyes.
Her pigtails swaying to her clumsy steps,
Her endless childish chitter chatter.
I smile as I reminisce those days of ours,
Her innocence and her impish laughter.
I marvel at how she’s blossomed,
Her surreal vision perhaps gives me away.
Abruptly she turns and our eyes meet,
There’s profound silence, I’ve so much to convey.
My Angel… I open my arms in welcome,
Come and stay with me forever.
For this is where you really belong,
I’ll never let you go, I whisper.
I did return, but you sent me back.
Her stoic glare digs deep into my very soul.
I begged you to shelter me, I cried for mercy,
You knew I was in a deep hole.
You chose him, you assured he would care.
But he hit, he abused, I silently bore.
And when I hoped you would take me in,
You said this wasn’t my home anymore.
I was in hell, with no will to live, no hope to cling,
But for you, it was your honour.
I’m in a better place now, it’s still and tranquil,
Papa, wasn’t I but your dearest daughter?
My tears flow unheeded, ‘beti’ I call out,
But she turns and fades in a wind gust.
Come back princess, take me with you,
Let no father ever break a daughter’s trust.
// This poem has been penned by Preethi Warrier who was declared the Runner-Up of the first poetry slam event (A Rhythmic Affair) conducted by Beyond the Box for adults. //