Javed

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          adj. eternal

My father is alive today

In my mind, with his quick to smile eyes,

Misshapen left forefinger and thumb, which he got

From a farming accident in youth. Alive, also, is the little

Tuft of hair that he dyed every Friday, and the prayer mark

He didn’t like to talk about for fear of appearing too boastful.

Nothing was too much for him, he was happy to fix the water tank himself,

Remember, muttering about bypass valves and plumb lines. Happy to ask why

The ceiling fan keeps going khichrrr khichrrr instead of its usual soothing whir and I

Don’t know how to reconcile his sheer aliveness with his flat, colorless deadness. It feels like

I am the only daughter in the world whose father has ever died, although I personally know four

Other daughters are mourning right here alongside me. Maybe I need a goshawk, or a mountain.

Other daughters are mourning right here alongside me. Maybe I need a goshawk, or a mountain.

I am the only daughter in the world whose father has ever died, although I personally know four

Don’t know how to reconcile his sheer aliveness with his flat, colorless deadness. It feels like

The ceiling fan keeps going khichrrr khichrrr instead of its usual soothing whir, and I

Remember, muttering about bypass valves and plumb lines. Happy to ask why

Nothing was too much for him, he was happy to fix the water tank himself,

That he didn’t like to talk about for fear of appearing too boastful.

Tuft of hair that he dyed every Friday, and the prayer mark

From a farming accident in youth. Alive, also, is the little

Misshapen left forefinger and thumb, which he got

In my mind, with his quick to smile eyes,

My father is alive today