At first the 'What?'

From the little girl that I was when this happened and its impact.

 

At first the ‘What?’

 

                                   At first the ‘What?’

Young and old were drawn to him he radiated warmth

He complimented one and all by concentrated attention

Enjoying the fact of ready listener, he heard my school girl stories

I shared my precious ambitions, my fears and lofty theories

Encouraged by him, opinion rights, on God, life and universe

He even got my future plans when I’d be wise and famous

 

The last of four was never given time without a tussle

He uniquely scheduled time, not allowing for a scuffle

The last to speak had nonetheless something in my favour

I walked and talked and had his time even after dinner

On one occasion I followed him watching him wash his hands

I stood a distance beside the door, recounting school events

 

While I spoke, I chanced to glance at something near his foot

A tiny tail moved out of shadow, stood up and opened hood!

There was no time for explanation or even clear direction

I shouted, “Papa, jump!” and paralysed with trepidation

Without a moment’s hesitation he leaped and jumped backward

I nearly fell as we collided; he turned and then asked, “What?”

 

Filled with awe my father saved by what I had commanded

Amazed he found me not too tiny to instantly obey!

I then showed him the baby cobra that lay in anticipation

Enclosed in shadow, barely seen, his birth within the day

I pleaded he be safely kept to show my boarding brothers

His speed and venom sealed his fate! Where were his many siblings?!

 

I pondered long, how Papa knew which way he was to jump?

Had he asked and then jumped; it would have been too late!

Recalling how the change in voice had ordered him to jump

Realised the need for speed of action and split second decision

He instantly decided that I must be where it’s safest

Wonder if I will inherit - the jump, or worse, at first the ‘what?’!

 

Author's Note

Alas, I am not yet rich and famous, considering you do not know me! However, I do think I have inherited the jump! Do review it with the eyes of a child!

Reviews

[...]

... there is a universe in this verse from you ... a slice of life that lingers and lingers ... it's an epic tale ... and the innocence and earnestness with which it has been narrated is enchanting beyond measure ... in terms of poetic expressions ... you never cease to amaze, enthrall and absorb ... "He complimented one and all by concentrated attention" ... "He uniquely scheduled time, not allowing for a scuffle" ... "A tiny tail moved out of shadow, stood up and opened hood!" ... "I nearly fell as we collided; he turned and then asked, “What?”" ... "Amazed he found me not too tiny to instantly obey!" ... "I pondered long, how Papa knew which way he was to jump?" ... "He instantly decided that I must be where it’s safest" ... "I wonder if I will inherit - the jump, or worse, at first the ‘what?’!" ... are lines of this verse that inject life and energy ... and drive the momentum of the narrative ... the father-daughter equation of adoration and respect sparkles through this verse ... the aspirations ... the lessons learnt ... and the way forward ... all marked clearly with frankness and fearlessness ... this is just so beautifully written that i cannot help but equate it with something that would be a ravishing modern-day fairytale ... how i wish the chapters that my 13 year old nephew has to study had lovely tales like these ... there is so much love, respect, courage and wisdom in this verse of yours ... an exceptionally powerful piece of work ...

[E. A. Fielder]

This line is the first thing that stuck out in my head:
"Amazed he found me not too tiny to instantly obey!"
When a child is so used to taking orders and listening to an adult it does come as a surprise when the adult listens to the child's commands. This was, I think, a very sweet poem. I'm glad you have inherited the "jump" that means you can continue writing poetry!

[Haifa]

Very good poem.