FOR KARMA YANGZOM
It’s a Monday night
I call her up
“Ama,
It’s me Kinley,
I am waiting outside.”
She opens the door
And the warmth
Oozes out.
I walk in
Put down my bag
And put on a tired look
She asks,
“How are you feeling,
how’s the cold?”
much better-
I answer
Guilt creeping in.
I had gone out
With office friends
For a drink or two
And my head is swimming
(even now)
“There is food in the kitchen,
I prepared your favourite”
Its ok- I say
“I have already eaten”
I don’t thank her
I never have.
She goes back to watching TV
She watches the Hindi soaps
It’s always been her favourite
She knows Hindi more than English
Maybe-that’s why the connection.
She pronounces silk…
Si—lik
It is cute.
Sometimes I shout at her
She does too
Not because
We take each other for granted
But because we love each other.
I remember my life so far
And I remember her
Always there
In words and in deeds
Advising, supporting and protecting
But never doubting
Me for anything,
Nor my capabilities
I see her
And I smile
The journey she has made
The hurdles she had overcome
I smile again
And weep at the same time
I am overcome with emotions
She is my mother
And far more than god
She loves me
Never denies me
She supports me
Never forgets me
She will eat
But never be full
Before she feeds me
She will sleep
But never rest
Before I go to sleep
She will hit me
But feel the pain
And when I am lonely
And far away from home
She will fill my thoughts
And rescue me from misery
She will be my prayer
That I will chant
Till I fall asleep
Safe in her bosom
And I will find home
