19 July 2025

Head Lice

My tenant. Who was my 
Teacher as well at the convent.
She was fond of me.
Gave toffees, and
other eatables.

Would catch hold of
Me whenever I scratched 
My head to pick lice
In the evening.

I would offer her flowers
Randomly. It felt nice.

That winter, Mom went to 
Her maiden home for 
The third delivery. Dad was 
In the Army like always.

Felt forgotten and aloof
For months in my big joint family,
And only Ma'am felt like 
Family in the absence of 
Mom.

After the summer holidays,
When I returned from 
Visiting mom.
Ma'am wasn't there.
Married off. Gone.

I waited for her as my
Aloofness grew louder 
In the house--
The itch in my head 
Wouldn't stop.

I insisted on shaving 
My head in the following 
Month, when Grandpa
Took me to the barber.

Something broke me
That day and I suppose 
That explains, why I hate 
Shampoo to this day.