Father
– Manasa Reddy Chichili
My dad never loudly said, “I love you,”
Yet he spoke it in a thousand ways.
In rushed mornings, in tired eyes,
In long and silent, hardworking days.
Dad’s hands were rough, his words were few,
Yet strength lived in his gentle care.
He carried storms upon his shoulders,
So I could breathe in lighter air.
When I would fall, he stood behind,
Not catching me, but teaching me to rise.
In my father’s faith, I found my strength,
In his silence, I gained wisdom.
He hid his pain behind a smile,
Turned every tear into my joy.
Though he never asked for thanks,
His love always stayed with me.
Now when I look into his eyes,
I see the dreams he gave to me.
A life built on sacrifice,
So I could live in freedom.
Dad, you may never know
How deep the love I feel for you.
But in my heart, your place remains
Unshaken, endless, strong, and true.
*****
Manasa Reddy Chichili a poet from Hyderabad, Telangana. My haiku and tanka have been published in several journals such as Under the Basho, Mainichi Haiku and others. My haiku was nominated for the Touchstone Award (2025), and I have also dabbled in writing haikus directly in Japanese.