‘Ode to a brother’: Poem by Ms Maninder Kaur, Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar

When I was a child, I’d gaze and see,
The brothers of others, so caring, so free.
I wished for a bond, so loving and rare,
A brother’s embrace, his love and his care.

So I prayed to the heavens, deep from my soul,
To bless me with someone to make me whole.
And on one fine day, my prayer came true,
In 1990, my angel was you.

Though younger than me, you grew to be,
Like a father, a guide, always near me.
When I got married, our bond didn’t part,
For you held a son’s place deep in my heart.

Your soul shone bright, your spirit so pure,
Your beauty inside made hearts feel secure.
A devoted son, husband, and friend,
A brother whose love would never end.

But fate turned dark on a cold, cruel day,
In 2019, you were taken away.
With Dad gone first, you bore his role,
Strong and true, a family soul.

Now, though you’re gone, I keep you alive
In each memory, our love will survive.
For today, on your birthday, my love flows deep,
In my heart, your spirit, forever I keep.

Your body has gone, yet your soul’s always near,
Veerey, my brother, forever held dear.
No distance or time will tear us apart,
For we’re bound by an unbreakable heart.