Of waiting with Mom for a bus
To her maiden home.
Somewhere there's a memory
Of Dad carrying me on his
Shoulders to buy me chocolates.
Grandpa, showing me how
The buffaloes are milked.
Grandma, giving me 25 paise
After I help her with chores.
A memory of running around
With cousins and bruising
My knees. Mama gifting me my
First pair of Pargon-chappals
As I tagged along while
Harvesting paddy.
The brief shudder of calm in
My veins every time I remember
My childhood. Feels like,
I still sneak into those orchards
To steal mangoes. So delicious
That I'm forever thankful.