I promise you more apple cake

Soonu, this is my home where I grew up,

It will soon disappear to the bulldozers,

The developers have plans to multiply it,

From two homes into four or five.

But your home, that once occupied so many bedrooms

my daughter did once count,

Then turned into one family home

Will stand forever

And remain here for your return

As you have already done

After each of your life adventures!

Go and continue to learn

Life has a lot to teach

And when you return

I promise you more apple cake!

Poem gifted to Soonu Hodivala-Dilke, neighbour and friend, before her departure to Durham University September 2024