Our Clean House

 Our house is now neat and clean,
No toys or books scattered seen,

Not an unmade bed, not a misplaced pillow,
No lights are left on and allowed to glow,

No banging door, No muddy feet on the floor,
No tantrums, nor arguments anymore,

No screams, No yells, 
A nest where no nestlings dwell,

A family that's journeyed far and wide,
Weathered storms often a rough ride,

A journey of an  era,
From Ambala to Naushera, 

From Jodhpur to Ranchi,

Often happy, sometimes antsy,

To Bathinda from Dimapur

And yet each place a new adventure 

Dimapur from Secunderabad
Leaving old stations was sad

For postings to field

Hearts were steeled

School admissions, a recurring battle,

Challenges that tested our mettle,

Prepping for school, mornings in a toss,
School-bus scrambles, always chaos,

Yet we never came undone 

Through it all, we had our share of fun.

Trekking, Camping out living in tents,

Sports and fancy dress events,

Teenage tantrums, a rocky ride,
Worry over grades, emotions at high tide,

Yet through it all, we stood as a team,
Our little girls each chasing their dream,

Their mother a pillar of strength and care,
Bearing the brunt, always willing to share,

Ammuma, Appachi andAppacha whose love fill our sails,
Appuppa not in mortal frame, his love prevails,

The home is empty, but memories endure,
Of challenges faced, of love that's pure,

In each station, a story to be told,
Of a family's resilience, shining bright and bold.

Through this moment with 'wuffs' and 'woofs',
 Ginger's around to cheer on the troops,

Can we ever forget Gypsy and Blossom
Childhood companions awesome,

Though now bereaven
They watch this moment from doggy heaven

Through each station, each change of place,
They stood by our side, with wagging grace,

They too miss the laughter, the playful cheer,
The pitter-patter of feet, in its absence now clear,

From across the rainbow's end, 
 Their simple love they send,

Soar in the sky dear nestlings soar,
With wings of freedom, go on to explore,

Venture far, find your way,
In our hearts, your home will stay.

Fly away, find new lands,
Yet our sanctuary always stands

Go nestlings, chase your dreams,
Over new mountains, follow new streams,

Wherever you go, wherever you roam,
Your family will always be your home.

😊