My Mother, My God

because your love doesn't look for a reason, 
because every moment was about giving, 
because i became a part of your life,
before even i came into this world, 
because your thoughts
are always about our happiness
before yours,
because, when tears kept you warm, 
your prayers brought on
the layers of warmth, 
because you deprived yourself of milk
so we could have the cream,
you are special, bou 
every way! 

you'd sit up all night sponging,
when the fever refused to recede,
whispering silent prayers 
even after a long tiring day.
when you sit by bapa,
and feel his pains, defying your own, 
your care is so deep,
so flawless, so divine,
denying yourself even a bit of sleep
often to the point, 
that it hurts,
that it makes even god envy you,
every day! 

as i flip through my memory album 
scanning the lip-smacking dishes, 
you'd prepare with unmatched perfection,
and garnish with love, 
i could even smell the dishes,
from memories
from several winters back.
as a familiar breeze
slapped the terrace door,
it reminded of the days
when you'd keep waiting, 
pacing up and back on the terrace,
if we hadn't got home
after it was dark. 
as the frames keep streaming, 
my lips curled up into a smile, 
and that moment, 
a stream of warmth
gently traced my cheeks, 
i wasn't sure who to thank -
god, for blessing us with you,
or, you for giving a face to god,
every day! 



© sashikant mohanty