THE SURROGATE FATHER

Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy
1949-2009

Candles cried out wax,
Incense sticks burned of grief,
Showers of petals busted into lurid ensign.

The brutality of weather came from the skies,
The green mound waited like a murderous monster,
As the hell-copter crashed and crumbled into debris,
Enormity of the jungle thirsted for his soul.

Fate threw sand into the eyes of million hopes,
The dreadful truth swallowed all of us,
Eyes blurred as the bitter tears gushed out,
He is no more in our solitude and despair,
The entire kingdom wrapped in the mantle of anguish,
The tears shed for him could deluge the earth.

How many tears would bring you back?
Will we ever see your glorious smile?
How come laughter always lingered on your lips?
What do we say when the green meadows ask for you?

Like a cherub you flew across the villages,
Our hearts crack when thought of your painful demise,
The lives of us saved, have we waited to gaze at your death,
We break into tears when looked at your generosity,
The bitter truth your absence crippled the masses,
Oceans of multitudes mourned hysterically.
While others dozed their souls forever.

Sir, we love you so much! Death can’t be a barrier to separate you from us. You earned wings and we believe you will fly to the golden gates of heaven; angels wait to greet you, as you have served enough humanity with all your might. You stand like a monument of love built of extreme humility and divinity. Hope you see all of us from the windows of bliss, you are nestled in countless hearts. Your lovable voice echoes in our ears 'Namasthe' amma, 'Namasthe' akkayya, anna, chelliamma, thammudu 'Namasthe', 'Namasthe'! You had your own rhythm, futuristic visions cocooned in the grandeur tenure. The fidelity and solemnity to your kingship, proved when you walked through the mucky streets with heavy passion to serve and improve living standards.

Your great vision, determination, perseverance, uncompromising fighting spirit against the odds, worked at grass root level irrespective of caste, creed and religion to all the corners of the State has set sparks to eternity in the hearts of people. The liberator of masses and savior of downtrodden, as you ruled with brotherhood principles of democracy, commensalism and secularism. You made poverty fade and prosperity shine with unlimited liberality. Never wore the robe of pride as a ruler always charming and lived life of philanthropist listened even to kids and understood their hopeful, innocent excitement.

What a magnificent testament you have left behind. Like a flower you shared the fragrances of love, like a tree you protected us under you shade of solace, like a father you peeped into every life to bestow your blessings, like a bird of optimism you wanted to fly to all the villages, but a big irony and cold fate you met with a fatal catastrophe. Avalanche of gloom ploughed through the nation. You are so strong in faith and credence only a mount was able to defend not rivals or fluid alliance parties. Who can deny that you are not here, you resonate like a savior of life in every town and village to save the lives 24/7. The Good Samaritan to peasants at all the hardships they went through. Generations can share the saga you carved on the walls of history!

Rajanna no floral wreaths or big words to say. I post a garland weaved out my tears please admit, as you are looking at all of us from the blue skies. When I look up at that sky so blue, I see the reflections of all the good things you made for us. "While there's a heart in me, you'll be a part of me."