My 'Pravasi' Father

With his sweat and tiresome body

He paid my school fees

The lonely life he chose

Gave me all the pleasures of my life

The roughness in his hands

Bought myself the stiff clothes that I wear

He's tired and exhausted face

Gave me a life of comforts.

He closed his heart for his own needs

But opened them frequently for mine

When I think of his countless struggles 

Mine remains a stark contrast

To his uncomplaining and selfless nature. 

 He opened a room of companionship for me

But locked himself within the walls of solitude 

His aspirations and desires were cut down

To grow my branch of dreams.

He brought me up unstoppable 

Taught me to face life's toughest moments 

Filled me with boundless and pure love

And where I'm today 

He's there to hold my hands

And walk before me as my light.