This day, in my solitude
I go back to my school,
saunter there for a while,
hop on to the school bus,
jump out when it stops.
push the gates with might
run into the courtyard
where my mom is playing
on the Veena,
The house echoes
the beats, melody flows unabated
I refrain from calling “atha”
careful not to disturb her,
sneak into the dining area
noiselessly eat the hot samosas,
start hiccuping after biting
a green chilly.
The sound grows in volume
” who is there?” asks mom distracted.
I go before her, My mouth
fully stuffed, I keep mum
my eyes turn teary, sensing her anger.
my legs tremble. Mom is about to burst,
I stand bewildered, She breaks into
laughing, I am able to smile.
My mouth is only half full.
Meenas Poems 