Enigma

Mamma said you would be my God
Or at least the next best thing.
When Daddy gave away my hand
I was led to believe never to miss him.
Everyone assured how you would be
A friend and just like a brother to me
I could share the laughter and loss
As if you are not the dignified boss.
Time has come and gone . . .
You never proved to be
Anyone else but yourself.
I longed for the familiar souls
As I needed God in confusion.
There was no dad who trembled
To see only a little drop of my tear.
I couldn't find my brother there
To ask a casual chore of many
Or to show how clouds may
Look in the golden ray.
Nor my friend was there
To have a laugh for nothing
Or to accept my mistakes
Without a hint of teasing.
Time will come and go . . .
You won't be someone else
Not that you have any reason to.
You are just yourself
Kind and loving, sharing and caring
In your own classical way.
You are just who you are . . .
Not any God who forgives
Not my dad who loves unconditionally
Nor my brother to share a joke so meaningless
Not my friend who accepts weakness.
You are just who you are--
It would be best only if,
Once and for all to end the enigma,
If no one gave you another name . . .
You are who you are.

Nahid Khan writes from Melbourne, Australia