Vinay Benjamin Manama, Bahrain, Arabian Gulf

Born: Feb. 1958 at Vrindavan, India Parents: the late Emmanuel & Binapani Spouse: Avis Lovelina Children: Neha Sarah & Samuel Neville Education: University of Rajasthan Occupation: Manager - Graphic arts - Xerox Bahrain Memberships: Indian Fine Arts Society, Voluntary Book Bank Association in four countries. "Feelings are the subtle language of universal consanguinity and therefore must be the language of man's creator."

Missing Ornament Unsure, tottering footsteps as a child I had taken ere I could learn to walk upright A bracelet, my wrist encircled sometimes Helping me to take firm and balanced strides Gurgles of delight, expressed my pleasure Uttered in the gibberish of baby tones The love filled face looking at time Surprisingly spoke back, the same language! Footsteps of my father would excite me so much As I looked up at him from my squatting stance And raise my arms upwards for him to put on That bracelet, which he always brought along. Sometimes he would kneel and help me up To rise again on weak, trembling feet Backwards he then moved in an awkward crawl I thus learned to walk forward. At times he would just sweep me off my feet And swing me high with powerful arms The world would spin around as a merry-go-round My squeals of pleasure would echo in the room. Not once did I doubt those sure and firm hands Dexterous and gentle, adroitly strong Often standing at his knee, I stroked the palms Which possessed magical security and lavish warmth. Now on my wrist I miss that bracelet My childhood fears which had helped vanquish That ornament of his index finger and thumb Adornment for my wrist in unsure moments- How blessed I am to those memories recall And within closed eyes repaint that childhood decal Doubtless have learned to walk erect and upright Though being bare wristed, yet, stumble and fall ... (Dedicated to my late father Mr. Emmanuel Benjamin)

All poems Copyright © 1996 Vinay Benjamin. All rights reserved.