From Hearts to Words: Crafting Versatile Poetic Tributes for Loved Ones

Writing poetry is a deeply personal and expressive art that can capture the essence of our relationships and emotions. Whether it's a poem for a brother, a tribute to a family member, or a celebration of a cherished loved one, the power of words can honor and preserve the memories of those close to us.

Creating a Keepsake: Poetry for My Precious Maa

There is a unique warmth in penning a poem for a loved one, especially when it comes to personal family members. Here’s an example of a heartfelt poem I wrote for my precious Maa, a term that holds such deep meaning in many cultures.

Maa

My mother, Elizabeth, and her sisters Kathleen and Lily, are now the dearly departed, so in my new book, "Cupid and the Mermaid," I wrote a poem for each, and the publishers are drawing a photograph of the three of them for the dedication page.

The Power of Verse: Sharing the Songs of Rama

While poetry may not come naturally to everyone, it possesses a profound ability to express the inexpressible. Here are a few verses from my poetry collection, "Anand-Mela Anand-Ashrama and Songs of Rama," which hold a special place in my heart.

The Singer of Rama

Who is the singer
singing
singing the songs
the song of Rama
so heartily, so soulfully
whose voice I can hear

so melodious, so touching
but his face
his face I cannot
cannot see

who the singer
who the soul
the forlorn spirit
the singer of Rama

they also sing
sing the songs
songs of Rama
who whisper and go away
without registering their presence

A Melancholic Reflection: Embracing Absence

On a somber note, poetry can also serve as a means to process grief and loss. Here’s a piece that encapsulates the heartache of missing a loved one deeply.

n

I don’t know where I stand today,

high up or low down,

or in the middle or at the center,

be it anywhere, I know

it’s for sure away from you.

n

Now you make me do

what I hate the most-

holding on to a lost wish

knowing that it is forever lost

wishing for its being

knowing that it can be no more.

n

It’s making me cry,

tears trickle down my eyes,

who knows what I thought,

who knows what I lost,

without you near now,

it is all as if gone.

n

You nurtured my torn heart so tenderly

that I let mine rest wholly on yours,

and smile, you brought to my face

every time you knew I was down.

n

You held onto the phone,

even when you knew I was hurt

well enough to not talk,

you listened to my silence

the whole while I cried,

unable to say a single word

from my bleeding heart.

n

Console was it to mine heart,

that someone cared to listen,

to those unspoken words in long silence,

when the entire world seemed to ignore

my hearts feelings,

someone cared to know what it felt like,

for me on the inside-

n

a bundle of hidden feelings,

afraid of pain being known,

a bundle of a hidden self,

wanting to ignore its being,

suddenly opening up to someone,

seemed like the right state that is to be.

n

Soon, I began smiling all to myself,

everynow and then in your thoughts.

Conclusion: A Gift of Words

Whether you are a seasoned poet or just beginning to explore the world of verse, crafting poems for loved ones is a meaningful and enduring way to honor their memory and the special bond you share. It's a gift that lasts long after the words themselves have faded from the page.

Consider these examples and tips as you embark on your poetic journey. The power of words can transcend time, reminding us of cherished moments and the profound impact our loved ones have on our lives.