Fadeless Smiles

your care and concern
was as infectious
as your smile,
your heart,
as large as the universe
would aim to be

from a distant memory,
many frames
flash like an endless roll,
the way you'd feed me,
with tender motherly care,
the way you calmed me,
when i was upset, or sore,
the way you'd open the door.
with a smile on your face,
as if i was a son,
from another womb,
the rare moments,
you'd let the tears overflow,
i hope you found warmth,
as you snuggled
against a son's chest,
as i tried to repay,
the debts of gratitude and love,
i carried in my soul

the last time, we met,
is too recent to be a memory,
yet too distant to be recent anymore,
you didn't miss to ask,
checking on all,
mother, wife, daughter, and son,
brothers, sisters, their families,
and all,
friends and their children,
near and far,
and the words spelled blessings,
as if you strung them close,
as if you knew
what was in store

that day,
you signed off with
“come home when you are here next!”
i've kept my word, today
that i gave, that day,
i’ve come back, mausi,
but where are you?
your smile is etched all over,
and your voice echoes even more,
but the quiet eyes
and the fadeless smiles,
in the portrait on the wall,
tells our journey was thus far,
as i dread a long wait,  
and try to convince my senses
you're no more!




© sashikant mohanty