For Ranga

I wrote this poem for a dear friend, Ranga Rajah. Ranga was one of the first friends who truly believed in my poetry and who supported me with my mission. We lost touch in 2023 due to unforseen circumstances, but by the grace of God, we reconnected. Compare this poem to Grace (1985), which also expresses heartfelt gratitude for a friend.

The day I did not hear

From you

I knew –

Something was wrong.

 

You were gone.

 

All the times I did not reach out

Thinking of you

But never acting –

Until it was too late.

 

I miss your warmth

Your friendship

Your funny stories

And great ideas.

 

I think of you

And what I lost

What I took for granted –

What a fool I was.

 

One of the first

To believe in me

You stood by my side

Until the end.

 

You travel with me

My friend –

In my heart

I feel gratitude

For your kindness

Your faith in me.

 

 Vanita Shukla Hork, 2023

 

If you liked this poem, you will enjoy my book Friends (Memories from another Lifetime).  Available on Amazon, free on KindleUnlimited. Please do leave a review.