Notes About The Poem

He Gave Her a Book

"melliflous birds are still cooing in the forest of my amber dreams " (by poet)



a gift from my father - on the first day of college,
"Golden Treasury"...A book of poetry...
the first poem I read... "She Walks In Beauty".
I carried that book throughout my life, even when I stopped reading poems...
even when poetry wasn't the priority any more,
Instead I looked at recipe-books - how to improve my culinary skills,
and became almost a champion chef in a few months.
Wordsworth and Browning were far away from my thoughts,
Coleridge? Oh No! Porphyria's Lover, and Ancient Mariner...
did not exist in my world of reality!

how many glorious summers went by ~ how many frosty winters ~
Delicious food, excellent  company,
chasing after active children, stressing about job-opportunities,
exotic travels, grandiose entertainment ...
had time for every little trivial thing in the world...but no time for
the book my father imagined his daughter would embrace the most!

then one miraculous day...when even my father gradually forgot
the girl who used to blossom in the world of words, and poetry....
I found my precious friend collecting dust,
neglected, discarded, in the corner of a shelf..  couldn't believe it was waiting for me with a beating heart ~
each and every page came alive with a magical touch ~
still my name clearly visible, handwritten with my father's calligraphic dexterity !

almost shaking to spot my long-lost treasure, I cried!
overwhelmed with emotions, tears fell!
as if a candle burnt and melted.
every drop of tears brought back the lavender memories ~
of an exhilarating past... my passions, my yearnings,
tender dreams of lilac hues never attained, the abandoned path I was supposed to tread ...

a path strewn with lyrics and verses, ballads and
sonnets like blazing auburn leaves of autumn ~
now shockingly empty and despairingly barren.
the forgotten aspirations and never-met goals...the tremendous sense of loss,
of crushing heart-break, of torturous frustration,
all flooded in!

many lonely years have gone by!
melliflous birds are still cooing in the forest of my amber dreams 
ultimately my first love has returned !


                
                          First Place
                         May 15, 2021
        Inspired by “ He gave her a book” contest
                  Sponsor: Mystic Rose Rose
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
June 11, 2021 at 1:01 PM
So wonderful you returned to your first love through your father's gift. We who get to read your poetry at blessed. This is a beautiful story of love, loss and love again. Congratulations on a well deserved win! Love and a hug ~ :D
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 12, 2021 at 1:47 PM
Dear Sam, your words make me feel so fortunate - to have you and other poets in my journey. Read your amazing poems many times and get inspired! Love and hugs ~ Mala
Roper Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 11:04 AM
Malabika, beautiful, deep heartfelt poem. Congratulations on your win in Mystic Rose contest. Hugs Eve
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:38 PM
Thank you so much, Eve. Really appreciate your kind, thoughtful words. So glad to share with you. Love and hugs ~ Mala
Alex Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 9:37 AM
You are, indeed, a great poet. This is another great work. Congratulations!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:37 PM
Thank you so much, Alex. I am so glad to share my poems with you. Really appreciate your beautiful kind words. Best wishes ~ Mala
Y. Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 9:21 AM
WoW! Malabika, You penned a well-written and touching write—what a precious gift to receive from your father. Congratulations on a well-deserved win. Have a great day:-) Alexis
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:35 PM
Thank you so much, Alexis. Really appreciate your thoughtful and inspiring words. I was fortunate to have a kind father. Love and hugs ~ Mala
Radhakrishna Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 9:14 AM
Congrats Mala on your well deserved win but most importantly on a fabulous write!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:33 PM
Thank you, Krish. Really appreciate your kind comments. So glad you read it. BW ~ Mala
Goldsmith Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Congratulations on your win. A beautiful story/write. I Love It. Enjoy your win with blessings....................
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 12:32 PM
Thank you so much, Paula. Appreciate your kind comments. Love ~ Mala
Rose  Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 8:54 AM
Isn't it amazing dear soul how we do come back to our first teacher, and suddenly their words become bible for our precious hearts. Thank you for sharing this endearing poem. I enjoyed every pensive mode, congrats and thank you
Ray Choudhury Avatar
June 10, 2021 at 9:29 AM
Thanks, My Dear Poet, for the placement. It’s really an honour. Love and hugs ~ Mala
Jayasankar Avatar
May 23, 2021 at 12:17 AM
What an amazing poem... straight from the heart my dear sweet friend... I know how much you missed writing... during those years when you chased your job related dreams... And am SO happy that you embrace your passion for writing now... Your dad is a great inspiration for you... Hugs and love... ~ Ani
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 23, 2021 at 7:44 AM
Dear Anitha, you are right - this is straight from the heart - that's why I got tempted to write this poem. I understand the realities of life, but still can not forget the time I let go. The other book my dad read to me, was "A Tale Of Two Cities" - especially the first opening paragraph and the last - he read those paragraphs like a poem.
Alex Avatar
May 19, 2021 at 7:24 AM
Beautiful Story.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 23, 2021 at 7:41 AM
Thanks, Dear Poet. Glad you liked it.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 19, 2021 at 8:09 AM
Thank you, Dear Friend. Glad you liked the story.
Kendrick Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 2:25 PM
Ahh!! I enjoyed this down to earth telling of your story in poetic form. It was lovely of your father to give you such a gift. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 3:09 PM
Thank you, Sara. My father often used to read to me. Really appreciate your kind comment. Love ~ Mala
Andresen Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 4:18 AM
- Lots of emotion in this - I love this wonderful poem, Mala :) - Best wishes in the contest ... Vie Rose will love it too :) - Have a lovely day :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 3:08 PM
Thanks, Anne-Lise. Delighted to know you loved to read this poem - so valuable in my journey. Love and hugs ~ Mala
Pathak Avatar
May 17, 2021 at 10:53 PM
Evocative and touching, a great write, congrats for the win
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 3:07 PM
Thank you, Dear Poet. Really appreciate your inspiring words.
May Avatar
May 17, 2021 at 8:31 PM
An heartwarming write on your journey through life, Great ending line...Well penned
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 3:06 PM
Thank you, Joseph. Really appreciate your inspiring comment.
Edmonds  Avatar
May 17, 2021 at 8:56 AM
A lovely story of your father’s gift to you Malabika, at least you have found your long lost treasure, poetry to enchant you for ever. Many moons ago my father bought me a watch which I will cherish for all time… Belle
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 3:05 PM
Thanks, Belle. Delighted to share my story with you. My father was an engineer, but used to read poems to me. I am sure the watch is so precious to you! Love ~ Mala
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 15, 2021 at 12:08 PM
Hello Mala, i was engrossed reading this poem to the end. Wow! Love & Friendship. Darlene
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 16, 2021 at 10:48 AM
Hell Mala, i enjoyed the read of this poem. You and i have a strong healthy friendship. Love & Friendship Darlene
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 15, 2021 at 12:24 PM
Dear Darlene, I am so delighted to share this story with you. Love and Friendship ~ Mala
Brul Avatar
May 15, 2021 at 6:13 AM
A great write! The ending line enthralled me!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
May 15, 2021 at 6:52 AM
Thank you, Dear Friend. Delighted to share! Love ~ Mala
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