I woke up in the morning and unusually sat before my dressing table.I saw a few streaks of gray hair . Alas! I am old . I am getting grey hair I shouted. , “Going grey”.”Going grey”My youngest son, who had come down, rushed into my bedroom, perplexed.”Ma. what is wrong?Why are you yelling “Going grey,Going grey “,when the whole world is agog with “Going Green”. I showed him my discovery. He almost snapped into two ,as he roared in loud laughter. I got bewildered.Why is he behaving so quixotically?. Yesterday night, he was alright!!
A few minutes after, he asked me “Ma , How old are you?”.I warned him not to ask such embarrassing questions hereafter. He chided me . Putting his arm around me, he said “Ma, I know that you are in mid fifties.Greying is part of life. You are really fortunate to get grey hair at this age. Do not get fidgety”. I became restless.I was sad.. The first time in my life I have seen grey or silvery streaks. Overnight , I have become old.
My little one, was aghast to see me so much shaken. He said “Ma you were brave when things went against you , most of your prime life. Now ,for this natural transformation , you get so panicky. I am not seeing your original self. You look so pale and unkempt. Do your hair soon. Come down, as normally you would. This greying has added wisdom to your self.” So saying , he left my room.
I stared at my mirror.The greyish streak was found in a very few areas. It was noticeable when you take a close look.I bridled my new look hair , thus tempering my anger and horror. I climbed down, with little uneasiness, that some one would point out my change. No one paid attention to my head. I took my morning papers . I forgot the silvery hair for full hour. Then gradually I lost myself in my work schedule.I forgot the aging process .
My little one ,came to my office, winked at me. ‘Ma , You are Going grey, Going grey”. I looked up from my papers, gave him a smile. “Do not kid me ,now sweetie”We will have nice fun later in the evening. He grinned and said “Now , You are ,what you were, solemn and gentle, with the age by your side.
Meenas Poems 