The last exchange

This thought has come often to me 

what would i have said  to her , if 

she was alive and happy to see 

me. As she always was the first 

to open the door and greet 

"Dhan bhag mere " 

She would have said 

Adding "Jo aap padhaare" 

To lighten the mood 

adding mirth and 

dollops of wit , every word 

dripped with care and warmth

homecoming after a wintry march 

Generous to a fault , abundant 

and sumptuous feast(s) 

Sharing with all equally  , kith or kin 

Kids , strangers  , country bumpkin(s)

What could I say 

as they took her away 

Her life partner by her side 

as in life or in the goodbye 

There were so many things unsaid 

so many jokes uncracked 

so many trivia unshared 

I could have said , she'd have laughed 

Blinking her eyes against the sun 

as she was known to do 

rushing off to the kitchen 

dishes to prepare , chores to do 

Over pay the maids , pamper 

the kids . All prim and proper 

fighting with her unruly hair 

From her hospital bed a sad gesture 

"All is lost" , she said , truthfully 

I lied to her , "No it isn't " 

But she knew in her heart 

and took the wisdom with her 

That was the last exchange 

I wish to change 

But can't , as it is 

she has left for lands beyond 

wisdom and words