Grandfather: A paradigm of life

A room, a bit untidy in one corner of the house. The rest part of the house can be modern except this room. A part of cemented shelves have been occupied by medicines, multiple tonics to supplement additional vitamins, syrups, and tablets- both homoeopathic and allopathic to cure the disease which has an affinity to old age like sugar, bp, itching, gastric, sleeping pills etc. Another part has the books piled up, mostly holy and philosophical books with deep moral lessons. Another shelf has the objects used in religious rituals. The hooks in the room are occupied more with reports/prescriptions from the doctors rather than clothes. Only the items that are required to lead as simplistic a life as possible can be seen.

From that room, an accustomed sound reverberates in our ears. The intensity of the sound increases with every tap on the floor. A wooden stick, probably of deodar, with a rubber tip at the bottom, tries hard not to disturb the other members. It often fails, indicating the arrival of ‘an old figure’, whom we commonly call ‘Grandpa’. The term ‘Grand’, when used in other ways seems to convey some sort of opulence. For instance; Grand hotel, Grand Villa, Grand Party, Grand achievement etc but do we mean the same when we say ‘Grandfather’?

Describing this figure as having innumerable experiences doesn’t seem like a cakewalk, nonetheless, I will try my best.

The figure has wrinkled skin all over the body that covers him like a translucent blanket through which one can trace the nerves and bones. The spinal cord is bent like the ‘arc’ of a circle having a difference of 160 degrees at the centre. The ribcage appears as if designed especially for medical students to read anatomy. One can count every single bone of it with precision. The muscles and tissues have disappeared mysteriously from the body or with time mingled with bones. The bi-focal glasses fitted within the ‘Gandhian frame’ act as an interface between the eyes and surroundings. It carries out substantial signals to the brain through the optic nerve which is still active enough to perceive the obscure images to help him toward his destination. The skin sags as when you pinch gently at any portion, it will take considerable time to regain the natural unlike us. One can’t anticipate while looking at his face whether he is in a frolic or a grave mood since the lining on his forehead which earlier used to be situational but now has become eternal. The hairs are all white as if a kind of white dye has been applied to the black keratin, that too, naturally over a period. The ears disavow decoding the feeble sound, hence you have to be a little louder and sluggish while speaking.

He has seen a generation in his life? No, it’s not a small thing. He is the storehouse of experience, knowledge and everything else which you need to lead life because he steered through all of it- ups and downs, failure and success, making and breaking. Every quote seems futile to him since he is a quote, an essay, questions and answers himself. His strolling suggests that you don’t need to go fast in fact whatever step you take, make sure that it falls in the right place, safely. The ‘deodar’ stick through which he supports himself symbolizes that at any point if you need to take the help of anyone, go for it. You don’t need to walk alone all the time. A noble companion will make your way even more effortless. His ‘bifocal’ Gandhian spectacles give the idea that sometimes you need to look beyond your normal vision to perceive reality. The white hair is symbolic of the fact that nothing is permanent in this world. how beautiful things may be, it’s gonna change someday, to be more precise, a change is inevitable. His voice- feeble yet soft and audible conveys a message that we’re not going to take anything with us after our death. It’s your humble behaviour which will immortalise you in hearts after your demise. There is no use in croaking and shouting over trivial matters as it may help for a shorter period of time but is harmful in the longer run. A little sweetness for which you’re not going to pay any price will do the job. This is the reason why his ears have now become reluctant to hear all the voices except those that are loud. His simplicity in clothing, food and living suggests that howsoever wealthy, foodie and fashionista you’re, one day all have to embrace the basics.

There are still many more assumptions, one can find by having a glance at your grandfather. He is an erudite, an apostle of peace from whom one can draw unimaginable things. He is the one who can answer all your enigma and will instruct you to come out of every labyrinth. Only you need to get in touch with him and respect him a little so that at the sunset of his life, he doesn’t feel solitary. Accompanying him in the morning walk, walking beside and supporting him will give him more life. Sit with him. Your mere presence will make him feel good. Believe me, you will find it all quite amusing- his actions, his behaviour, his obstinacy. You’ll find it so close to childhood.

And remember,

“You won’t get many opportunities because he doesn’t have much time left on the earth to spare with you”

So whatever time of him is left, make it count!

“My Grandfather

Dozing with a faint snore

In the body,

 you can count ribs 

Besides

Kept his old fashioned 

Round spectacles

Waiting for his master

Quietly

To give him sight”

(A dedication to all the grandfathers)

-Shashank