Thoughts on Mother
You clapped these hands, and I laughed out loud
And every meaningless utterance of mine
Evoked in you, exclaim and applause.
I am certain you are the very first one I met.
I must be your precious one,
For, the many nights you stayed awake
To keep me dry and fed,
And with nourishing care, oil baths and well-combed hair,
Despite tearful protests walked me to school,
And with Diwali treats and a magic touch
Always set off my broad smiles.
Your harsh reprimand still rings clear today
Only as wails of appropriate concern,
For, I would return late, dirty and tired.
Always away from you, busy with friends and play,
Lost, for years, unbound, in a worldly gaze,
I grew a new family around me,
And wandered farther and farther,
Oblivious to the keen eye you kept on me.
And years later upon my return,
You invited me in with a hug and smile,
And insisted again on my nourishment
Even as I proclaimed,
I am now big boy, in a hurry, and not hungry.
You are now a beacon in this dark night.
And from a distance I can see you smile
And I wonder if I ever asked,
“Did I make you proud?”
And then I am reminded of others,
Not as lucky as me.
You clapped these hands, and I laughed out loud
And every meaningless utterance of mine
Evoked in you, exclaim and applause.
I am certain you are the very first one I met.
I must be your precious one,
For, the many nights you stayed awake
To keep me dry and fed,
And with nourishing care, oil baths and well-combed hair,
Despite tearful protests walked me to school,
And with Diwali treats and a magic touch
Always set off my broad smiles.
Your harsh reprimand still rings clear today
Only as wails of appropriate concern,
For, I would return late, dirty and tired.
Always away from you, busy with friends and play,
Lost, for years, unbound, in a worldly gaze,
I grew a new family around me,
And wandered farther and farther,
Oblivious to the keen eye you kept on me.
And years later upon my return,
You invited me in with a hug and smile,
And insisted again on my nourishment
Even as I proclaimed,
I am now big boy, in a hurry, and not hungry.
You are now a beacon in this dark night.
And from a distance I can see you smile
And I wonder if I ever asked,
“Did I make you proud?”
And then I am reminded of others,
Not as lucky as me.
