In memory of my aunt...we know as Nithya Athai

A Voice Stilled (Athai)

A face, a voice, a portrait on profile

Stilled by life’s treacherous wheel of death,

It is a moment of truth we fear

Admirable source of power endeared

For Athai to me is a word gone amiss

From this last Monday this family shall also miss.

A picture of gloom captured in a frame

So harsh was the pain and tears that engulfed us

But brief was her illness, so God decreed,

To serve Him by His side as His chosen Angel to be,

This was His desire, His plan, we knew not,

For mere mortals we were, attached to her love.

Our life’s sadness is a part of time

None to share it, as none to begin,

It’s her story that I say,’ hark’ unto thee.

For the soul is where my heart can be

For Athai my sweet aunt cared more for me

This from my very heart comes readily to thee.

Our house was her bride’s house at the time of her wedding

Since then I have known her for she lived down our street

She groomed her children as a loving mother would

That was her instinct I can say with pride,

This I say, for I spent most of my childhood in her tender care.

Hers was a life filled with mirth and delight,

Fearful of God and upright in sight,

She cherished all good things with a sense of humble pride,

Worked hard for a right living and this was her prize.

Gifted with a voice she could sing unto the Lord,

Her language was prolific and admired by all.

Athai, dear Athai we’ll love thee always

You’ve shown us your fondness in your short life’s essay,

We know we‘ll meet you on life’s other shore,

Till then the parting, is too great for us, you know.

Love us, lead us in life’s perilous path,

Be thou our Angel, Amma and Athai in part.