-Brian Mendonca
Today I tire not
of waiting
My father has
been gathered to
his fathers
and so will I
one day.
Of what merit is
it to rush unbidden
when everything comes
down to a speck
of mud.
(Porvorim
25 July 2017)
When you died
-Brian Mendonca
When you died
the clock in our room
stopped at 3.30 -
The time when you
were taken out for the last time
for your final journey.
The car startled
by your demise
sustained scratches on its side
my limbs out of joint.
The candles ranged at your bier
remained unlit
as if reluctant to let you go
And the house rat
called it a day
a few days later
claws upwards
dying before you
felled it with your
hockey stick.
(Vasco
25 July 2017)
I surrender
-Brian Mendonca
Dad I surrender you.
I surrender you
to the water
the giver of life.
I surrender you
to the earth
the mud soaked in rain.
I surrender you
to the wind
unseen, everywhere.
I surrender you
to the flame
the fire of being.
(Porvorim
25 July 2017)
-Brian Mendonca
The domblers scurry
neath the blossoming tree
The rain in July
brimming with promise
wet mud, lemon fragrance
wombic water.
We return you to the earth.
In Siolim and Salcette
your name is mourned
as a candle flame
lights up your face.
I search for you
on the roads I ride
Over the Mandovi
and across the Zuari
On your bed
In your room
At the table
and at noon.
'I'll ask ganpa to come back
for Christmas,' says my son.
Family times, going for drives,
Exploring Goa,
with wayside coffee.
You gave us so much
In the time we had
together we looked
at life anew.
You braced yourself
for any outing
Pushing yourself
to be part of the fun.
So lay me down
in a bed of roses
Carnations, lilies,
sprays and poesies.
Thank you dad
for the gift of you.
(Porvorim
25 July 2017)
dombler: black ant found in Goa especially during the rains
Leave the door ajar
-brian mendonca
Leave the door ajar
What use is it
to bolt it at night?
The thief is already in
and it has no plans to leave.
Day by day
it steals my father away
and I can do nothing.
Leave the door ajar.
The house is already
ransacked.
(22 June 2020
Porvorim)
Pic: Cartoon by Mario Miranda; courtesy storyltd(dot)com Updated 22 June 2020
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