Letter

“Even after our corporeal form leaves, a letter speaks to us in a language so intimate, conveying pent up emotions so personalized that one cannot express through spoken words without causing embarrassment to the one thus divulging” ~ By Poet It was like a cunning marauder, That cancer sneaked into his healthy body. After the initial shock, John got over it. Then ensued a brave fight to restrict its advance. But it ravaged his body inch by inch. Stage four cancer took residency in his bones. After thirteen months of incessant struggle His invincible life came to a peaceful halt! At the end of his funeral rites, his best friend Showed himself up before the congregation. In halting voice, he said he was on a task, To read out a letter John had prepared. Long before his death but had kept sealed until then. Opening an envelope, with wavering hands Like an envoy divinely ordained on a sacred mission He took out the carefully folded sheets of paper. The subdued murmur inside the spacious hall Gave way to silent breathless anticipation. 'My dearest family and friends' the words ran, 'Long at last, I am at peace, absolutely at peace, With no emails to check, no bills to pay, No more deadlines to be worried over! But unfortunately, no charming females in sight'' The words breathed his flamboyant humour, With his trademark grace and copious dignity. He led the audience through his life under death sentence. He was thankful for the love and concern, His friends and family had so profusely lavished on, In his ailing days of agony and dejection. That exceeded far more than what an ordinary man, In the whole of his lifetime could accumulate! The last part was a pronouncement of love, On his beloved wife and his wonderful child, Who stood by him in silent suffering by proxy, With a plea to all to keep peace with one's soul. Despite life's sham, drudgery, and shattered dreams! The congregation silently dispersed, walking away, Into a day of sunshine, greatly consoled and inspired!