Sunday Poem By Supatra Sen

Motherhood

They arrived just before the Pujas
Twins but non-identical
Momma seemed worn-out and trifle indifferent
Perhaps too many to fend for
In that frail body

A couple of days
And the fatigue vanished
The concerned mother
Surfacing
Over protective
On her guard
Without batting an eyelid
Milk care hugs caresses
As only a mother
Can

The little ones
Thriving well
Doted over
By their extended family
A warm bed, affection
Celebration, photographs
Love to wipe out all wants
As in an idyllic childhood

Few months
And time to explore
The world around
To track unknown paths
Check on neighbours and mates
Friends and foes
Momma’s escort constant

Autumn to winter
And soon the call of birds
Spring !
Cheer and merry-making
So good to have a family
Momma forgoing meals and sleep
To tend and nurture
Unadulterated love

And then one day
Momma went
The kids looked for her
At home
And in the world
That she had familiarized them with
But no…
She wasn’t anywhere
The children helpless
The sudden exposure
Overwhelming

But then
Life’s a tale of habits
Momma soon seemed forgotten
And life went on
As usual…
They were learning
And growing
Remembering what Momma
Had taught them
Long ago

And in summer
They seemed ready
To step out
Independent
Free…

They move with confidence
And grace
Sure-footed but cautious
The green earth touches their feet
The blue sky arches above
And Momma watches them from
Far far away…
She had set them free
The strength of Love…

A tale of three felines
Just another love story…