An autobiographical poem by Kavita where she talks about her father, Nissim Ezekiel – exclusively for Different Truths.
(After the late poet Nissim Ezekiel’s poem ‘I Met a Man Once’)
I was born to a man Who could not drive a car Typed with two fingers Never learned to use a computer, (His critics got him for this one). Not knowing what he wanted in a clothing store Needing advice on colour, style and type. Rejoiced when he discovered the secret to boiling an egg Simply because he thought there was a secret to it. Was lost when it came to banking How many zeros are in one thousand, ten thousand? Where to sign the cheque? Worldly affairs were beyond him His feet firmly planted in the air. I knew this man intimately, A gentleman, a kind man, a simple man Eyes that twinkled like stars on a clear night, Magnanimous with money and time Faithful mentor to young poets, Who could not bear to watch a child crying Or a prostitute being beaten up Who didn’t have many shirts But would give the shirt off his back To anyone in need or not in need. Yet, he knew how to write a poem With words that could Shimmer the moonlight Make the sunshine brighter Ripple the water, sparkle the stars Tell stories that rocked your world with laughter Praise God for his gifts and admit his failures. I know that man well For he was my father I have his flaws In my genes And perhaps a little From his gift of words. The daily fragrance of his poems Sweetens my heart with tenderness.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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