Father

My very first love, my very first friend
No words can define, or transcend
You reside in me, each thought or act
My strength, essence, my truest fact

No matter how I say, or fail to express 
My source of meaning, you are my sense
Every knowledge I crave, my liberated mind
Noblest gift to me, your love for humankind

You dwell in my life, in each moment of mine
Precious is your presence, forever shall shine
Your love, like the greatest oceans, open sky
Breathing in it, sheltered, how blessed am I….

– Saswat Pattanayak, Peoples’ Poet