Sunday Musings With Dad

My dad Kishore V Sonpal, was just short of 82, when he breathed his last on June 12, 2020, 01:24am. He built the habit of maintaining a diary right from his late twenties, when he took up his first job with Indian Railways, way back in 1964. His writings have stood the test of time. They are as relevant today, as they were, when he penned them down. I am sharing third of these diary entries. Just like me, hope you will also find subtle meaning in his writings.

Here is the Twelfth share:

Transcript of the Image:

Lead, kindly Light

– by John henry Newman

Lead, kindly light, amidst the encircling of gloom,

Lead Thou me on.

The night is dark and I am far from home.

Lead Thou me on.

Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see

The distant scene, one step is enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldn’t lead me on.

I loved to choose and see my path, but now Thou lead me on.

I loved the garish day; and spite of fears, 

Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath bless me,  sure it still Will lead me on.

O’er moor and fen, O’er crag and torrent, Till the night is gone.

And with the morn those angel faces smile, 

Which I have loved long since and lost awhile.

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Once again, while this is not something that Dad composed, but it is clearly a beautiful poem which he was inspired by and decided to make a not and preserve for regular reading.