A tribute.

 Hemukata Hillocks, Hampi. 

I don't have any photos of you. I never thought I'd need one.

I still remember when I got you. You were small and Meek - like me.

In a new school, I didn't think I'd survive.

I was wondering if you'd survive too.

I hugged you tight on the ride home.

I didn't know if my Acha and Amma will accept you.

When I reached home, I cleared a spot and

I fed you and took care of you

Acha and Amma were skeptical at first, but they grew fond of you as well.

I talked to you, which sounds stupid, but I was convinced you could hear me.

But I had to leave to a new place, but you stayed put. You had no choice but too.

I saw glances of you when I was there, but we grew distant.

You grew tall and imposing, and I couldn't not feel proud of you.

When I planted you, I thought you'd be there forever.

I thought, no matter how much my life changed,

No matter what happened, when I come back, you'd be there,

Where you always was.

But I was wrong.

I learnt today, you're gone.

You're gone forever.

And I didn't say goodbye.

I'm sorry.

I should have spend more time with you.

I should have thought about you more often.

But I didn't.

And there is no excuse for that.

But I'll keep your memory alive.

I promise.

A tribute to അപ്പൂപ്പൻ (Grandfather), a Mahagony tree given to me on June 5, 2007, as part of World Environment Day Celebrations. I saw that he was cut down today, at my old house.