A Touching Tribute: 15-Year-Old Poet’s Heartfelt Words for a Grieving Father

In a deeply moving act of compassion, 15-year-old Iba Adnan, a student of IX STD at Jamia Millia School, has penned a powerful poem in honor of Jaibeer Ahmad, a father grappling with the devastating loss of his daughter. The poem, titled Bridging the Silent Distance, captures the raw pain of a grieving parent and offers a glimpse into the sensitive, emotionally aware world of today’s younger generation.

The poem was shared by Iba’s father, Adnan Safee, Founder & Team Member of Nine Angle Productions, who expressed his astonishment at the depth of empathy and understanding shown by his daughter. He reflected on how different the younger generation is today, noting that while his own childhood was filled with play and fun, children like Iba seem to carry an emotional awareness that often goes unnoticed.

“It’s amazing how emotionally aware and sensitive today’s children are. At their age, we were more about play and fun, but it seems they carry a depth that often goes unnoticed. We often don’t realize what this younger generation is going through,” said Adnan Safee.

The poem touches on the profound grief of a father who has lost his child and the enduring love that transcends the boundaries of life and death. It reminds us that the sorrow, while heavy, carries the presence of the loved one, in every sunset, every breeze, and every whispered song.

Here is the poem in its entirety:

Bridging the Silent Distance
By Iba Adnan

In the quietest hour, when the night is still,
A father’s heart breaks, against his will.
Her laughter now echoes in memories’ hall,
A young life gone, before it could sprawl.

The sun still rises, the world goes on,
But in his soul, a light is gone.
No words can mend, no time can heal,
The depth of sorrow he’s forced to feel.

He held her close, his precious one,
Now she’s a star, her race is run.
He dreams of her smile, her gentle grace,
And longs for the touch of her sweet face.

Though she’s gone, her spirit stays,
In every sunset, in the morning haze.
She’s in the breeze, the whispered song,
Guiding him, as he moves along.

So, dear father, let your tears flow,
For in each drop, her love will grow.
She’s with you now, though out of sight,
A beacon of love in the darkest night.

Her journey was brief, her time too small,
But she left a love that will never fall.
In your heart, she’ll always be,
A cherished soul, forever free.

Iba’s words have struck a chord with many, as the poem reflects the often-overlooked emotional intelligence of today’s youth. Adnan Safee highlighted the gap that exists between parents and their children, exacerbated by the distractions of social media and academic pressures. He emphasized the importance of making space for a deeper emotional connection with children.

“In today’s world, social media has created a distance between children and their parents, and we’re so caught up in our own lives that we overlook their feelings. It’s all about studies and marks until standard XII, but we need to make space for a deeper connection with them as parents.”

The poem has resonated with many, serving as both a heartfelt tribute to Jaibeer Ahmad and his daughter and a reminder of the emotional wisdom that young people possess. Through her touching words, Iba has offered a beacon of light in the darkest of times, reminding us all of the power of love and remembrance.