A Dirge to my Anna-Emmanuel Vethanantham Ah!the days are gloomy, dark and cold Beneath the sky shadows gather, Nature seems to mourn,and crestfallen, Over the demise of one loved by all. You, our Anna,left us quietly and speedily, The saddest note struck by your daughter Left us melancholy and grieved The stars have dimmed,grown stale and old. In youthful days,were prim and proper, as The elder-one in Mariampillai's abode, Your laughter gentle and light Your spirit was contagious and bright. Non-violence was your chosen way, Decked with benign, be it family friend or foe Now you've flown with a free heart Fnding shelter in the heart of God. The Ambience laden with weight and darkness Without you andyour gentle smile, yet In our hearts, you'll live fitting to your name "Emmanuel"-'be with us'. Rest you, now dear brother, in the sweet bye Until we meet in that beautiful shore, In dreams,in love in memory's grace You'll hold a cherished sacred place.