The end was easy as the rainy chill –
Your presence too is parting now in silence.
You leave as one whose loveliest work is done.
Only your song to the last was difficult
And dotingly addressed to music’s life.
Will there be some heir to your deeds? –
We cannot know and do not grieve – we know
Some men grow old like a banyan’s shade,
Their patience clad in sure primeval roots,
Looming to protect where we aspire,
To haunt each act and taunt our ebb – indeed,
We like to think you must be one of them.
Taimur Khan – 17 Feb 2005
