Keepsake

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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 as a keepsake...

even when poetry wasn't the priority any more,

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,
exotic travels, grandiose entertainment ...
..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 !

my fingers quivering to spot my long-lost treasure, I cried!
overwhelmed with emotions, tears fell!
as if a candle burnt and melted ~

a path strewn with lyrics and verses, ballads and
sonnets like blazing auburn leaves of autumn ~
now shockingly empty and despairingly barren.

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

Edited For (From "He Gave Her A Book" Contest) "K" Old Or New Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
FIRST PLACE

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 9/15/2021 11:08:00 AM

Mala, I remember this loving tribute to your father and his gift to you! There are so many beautiful images of joy, sadness and joy again! So well done dear friend. So happy to see it high on the winners list! Much love and a hug!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 9/15/2021 10:07:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. A Beautiful/Wonderful~~story/write. Your "Keepsake" is a real treasure. Have a blessed day.....................

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 9/15/2021 10:37:00 AM

Thanks, Paula. You have a blessed day, too.

Constance La France

Date: 9/15/2021 7:08:00 AM

Mala, excellent and congratulations on your win in my "K" Contest with this beautiful poem, well done ~ love and serenity _Constance

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 9/15/2021 7:09:00 AM

Thanks, Constance. I feel honoured.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 9/14/2021 6:36:00 PM

I had read this poem earlier. I do not know how I forgot to write about it. It's, Indeed, a beautiful gift and you are full of memories of him. Congratulations on your win!

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 9/14/2021 6:51:00 PM

Thanks, Christuraj. Yes, I wrote this poem for another contest. Actually there is a heartbreaking ending to this story - I will write some other time - not ready yet. My Father was my inspiration in every way.