A JOURNEY CALLED LIFE

She was beautiful- I never tired to look at her
She had grace, poise and vivacity- I felt such pride to be near her!

I was charmed by her swinging earrings
Her long plaited braid was so cool!
Her body possessed a fragrance so pure
I huddled just to drink it more

Her pearl like teeth, her graceful bearing
Her bangles, her bindis- exuded grandeur
She was the deity appeased and adored
The proud lady of the house – my mother!

Her wish- my command
Her need- my errand
I itched to get a pat on my back
I gladdened to snuggle close in her lap

Now she is weather beaten, haggard
Graceful yes, but pathetic alas!
She is bewildered, unsure of herself
She ducks into background at the slightest

With father gone, she has been staggered
No longer the mistress but a pathetic straggler
Subject to apathy, rudeness and ridicule
She has become quiet, bewildered and pained

But still I was not prepared that night
When I rang her up to enquire into her plight
The once graceful lady lost control and bitterly wept
Her tears saddened and shamed me no end

I want to gather her in my arms as a child
I want to comfort her as she used to when I was a child
But there are distances unbridgeable indeed
The aged are not welcome in modern dwellings

Mother, I hate myself for being the gutless person I am
I love you but will see you impassively going to hell
I know you will not grudge me my selfishness
The journey called life has weakened me but given you finesse.