On a Child Died

My dearest little Beautiful Butterfly! It’s not so long, Since the hasty hands of Time, Snatched you away from us, Abruptly, unpredictably... Time snatches away, Living as well as non-living beings; He gives his alleged reason for his action. In your case too - He gave his reason. His reason was very simple and sweet. He said he wanted you to undertake a pilgrimage. Toward- Discovering newer galaxies; Exploring higher horizons; Finding fresher pastures; Hovering over prettier flowers; Befriending beautiful butterflies... This, obviously, The Time did, In his most cunning manner: Death. I vaguely remember your beautiful, Tender, lovely frame lying wasted... I could perceive, even though, As indistinct as a dream, Your late loving mother, ‘An Eternal Butterfly’ who's no more, Hovering over you; Receiving you benignly; Holding you in tight embrace; Grasping you compassionately; Fondling you full of nostalgic yearning And longing and craving of, As though, endless ages and eras… You were seen no more thenceforth. I had been trying to console myself saying, You would be back soon. Why cry? Why weep? Why to wail? Yet - Willingly or unwillingly, Rationally or irrationally, Knowingly or unknowingly - Why this heaviness in me? Why this pain? Why this endless ache? Are these feelings and anxieties caused, Owing to your momentary absence? Are these caused, Because of my inner feeling of fear, That I would be silent and mute, When I meet you again? Are these caused, because, I have some debts to repay you? Whatsoever might be the reason, In my speechless unconsciousness, My mute, stiff tongue, Mumbles a little prayer for you: Grant Her Eternal Rest, O Lord! May Perpetual Light, Shine Upon Her! Yet- My inner mind whispered to me That you would come back, As you are a butterfly, Keep flying and fluttering around… Hence- Before you were out of my sight- I just bid you a heartfelt farewell: Bye, Bye, Butterfly! 13 January 2022