Dear Maa, I Wrote You a Poem

Dear Maa,

By the time this letter will be out, I might be sitting next to you. We might even read it together. If you’re unwell, I will read it out for you like all those stories you read out to me when I was a child.

Maa, you’re ageing now, and I’m watching your hair turn grey. I have always loved your grey hair. The strands look like threads of pashmina wool on your forehead. I know you will blush when I say so.

Your wrinkles are growing deeper, but you are as beautiful as ever. I know you're hiding years of sufferings and pain under those wrinkles. Sometimes you need to smile to straighten those wrinkles.

People compliment me on my eyes. They look a bit like yours. I thank you for my long nose too, it looks exactly like yours.

I know you aren’t keeping well. I could feel it when we spoke yesterday. My heart sank when you said, "I am fine". You don’t have to fight your battles alone. You’ve fought a long battle with that monstrous cancer and I am surprised that you didn’t let us fall apart. You are brave and I gather all my strength from you.

I’m a little saddened that you couldn’t complete your studies. I won’t forgive abba (nanji) for that. All your friends tell me how intelligent and determined you were. They tell me you were a topper and that fills me with pride. I’m sorry you couldn’t become the person you dreamed you would be.

I have been rude to you so many times and I am ashamed of it. Now when I look back, I feel, I could have been nicer and more respectful. I admire you for bearing with all my stupidity and roughness.

Now that you are ageing, our roles are changing. You are to me now, what I was to you 20 years ago. You’re like a toddler who needs my care and love. I can sing you lullabies on the nights you have trouble falling asleep.

I wrote a poem for you. I hope you like it. I love you!

Your son,
Athar