ODE TO THE BEST SINGER OF OUR HOME

 

I've always wanted to write one of these,

Though I may not follow the hardcore rules of Shelley. 

Mine is about the best singer in my home-

A singer no one could beat. 

You sang with a different rhythm, a different tone

And a different note. 

You sang never endlessly at times- for us all- 

Solving the little issues, mending those little tears. 

This singer had no other name-

It sat in the corner- for years and years.

This singer had a special connection with my Mom-

She can tell you many tales of the days of yore. 

You know our stories more than anyone else-

Having been the weaver of many yourself. 

Whether it was our happy days or sad-

Christmases, Baptisms and even Weddings. 

Just like an old Grandfather's clock-

A witness to everything.

But now, you have stopped short-

Never to seam again, never to sing again. 

You always felt like my elder sibling-

Next year, you would have turned 40- 

I will surely miss you, even though we may think

Money can replace you anytime now. 

Losses like these help us to learn

Relations deeper than human understanding.

None of us can say how much we are indebted to you-

For making our days worth living.

More than ever, I am grateful-

For the constant companionship

You gave to my Mom- 

As she engaged in her favourite pastime. 

Mom was able to stitch just anything- 

Costumes for programmes, Pillow covers,

The same polka dot frocks for us cousins-

You worked with her faster than in any boutique!

I looked good because of you,

My daughter looked good because of you.

Dresses, Quilts, Pants, Blouses, Nightgowns,

Skirts, Darns, Embellishments-what not. 

You changed with the change of fashion-

From the Disco 80s to the ultra modern millennium-

Even to the Masked Pandemic Era-

You kept us all in style and filled our lives with music. 

Maybe you were just a Kenmore Sewing Machine,

But you stood by us, in all weathers. 

You were just a home appliance-

But you're place is truly irreplaceable. 

All I have to say is a big THANK YOU!

For the time-tested care, the innumerable dress-ups, 

For the beautiful outfits, for the intricate details-

You will always remain the best singer of our home. 

With love and gratitude,

Remya 

(Written as our family Sewing Machine retires forever....)