A Tender Moment From Childhood
Mother had throat cancer
Food pipe blocked, could not swallow
She would struggle with a bowl of food and tears in eyes
Desperately try to eat
Unsuccessful, would drink water or milk
She became very weak
One day friend told her
"Why don't you put a pipe in food pipe?
Then, you can eat. I know someone who has done it"
On the day of operation, I vividly remember
I was getting ready for school, she was combing my hair
I told her "Plait is very loose."
"I lack strength" she replied
I didn't say anything, I understood
Prayed her suffering would end.
That was the last conversation I had with her
She died during operation.
Although I cried inconsolably
deep within I was happy for her
Her suffering had finally ended.
We never had a maid or domestic help
Despite ill health, she did everything on her own
Still, when she died, many maids and poor around cried
She had touched their life in positive way
13.06.2021
For A Tender Moment From Childhood, Malabika Ray Choudhury
Copyright © Rama Balasubramanian | Year Posted 2021
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