My Lata
More than a dog, more than a friend
“Get a dog, it’ll make you smile,” they said,
But I did the math inside my head.
Rent was high, the bills would stack,
Even for a love so pure, I tried to hold back.
But fate had plans I couldn’t see,
An ad appeared — it called to me.
A pup unwanted, left behind,
With soulful eyes, so warm, so kind.
I drove across Bombay, in broad daylight,
To meet this pup, my heart felt light.
A tiny stairway in Colaba led me there,
Where whispers spoke of past despair.
Afraid, alone, she hid away,
No wag, no bark, no urge to play.
Maybe she longed for love, a joyful start?
But she ran away from me — she kept her guard.
Still, time had come; we had to go,
Lata’s first car ride, a fear she’d show.
She drooled, she shook, and then she threw,
I worried much — but she pulled through.
I braced for weeks of trust to gain,
Of coaxing love, of slow refrain.
Yet, within hours, she chose my side,
By day two, she ran with pride.
My tiny Bombay home now felt so bright,
With her soft paws and endless light.
Lata played, she leapt, she filled my space,
Even knocked eggs down — but licked the crate!
At 6 PM, Lata knew the sound,
Of footsteps near, of me around.
She’d greet me there, her tail in sway,
A love so pure — it stayed each day.
She woke with me, she slept beside,
She walked to shops, but did not enjoy the autoride.
She partied too, she cheered with glee,
Each birthday shared — my friends, Lata and me.
The fearful ones, Lata won them too,
They held her close, their love just grew.
She healed the hearts of those in pain,
With eyes so deep, so free from blame.
And when I cried, she stilled her play,
She licked my tears, she’d sit and stay.
She understood what words could not,
A guiding light, my brightest spot.
She braved flights, she braved the roads,
She followed me through life’s unknowns.
Then came Bangalore where parks were wide,
She ran at Cubbon, so full of pride.
She ran so free, yet left no mess,
A gentle soul, so full of grace.
Not one torn sock, no havoc made,
Just love so deep — it never strayed.
Then one day, I walked back home,
No wag, no jump, she lay alone.
I thought her silence was my crime,
That I’d been gone too long this time.
But sickness came, it took its hold,
The vet looked on — her eyes turned cold.
“She’s fought so hard, she’s strong,” she swore,
Yet heaven called, it wanted more.
I held her close, I whispered near,
Hoping love could keep her here.
But stars must shine, and she was bright,
She left this world, yet kept her light.
I wish she’d known what she had done,
The way she saved me, one by one.
If love could stay, if time could bend,
I’d tell her so, again, again.
But still, I know, she’s never far,
She runs above — My brightest star.
