THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
The Hospital Room was filled with tension
With doctors paying full attention
A new life was about to take birth
For ‘THEM’ it was more than millions in worth.
At last there came a sound of cry
But it was not a baby boy.
The cry which echoed in the hospital hall
Was of none but ‘HER’ baby doll.
With tears of joy ‘HER’ baby ‘SHE’ lifts
For ‘HER’ it was a precious gift.
They told new father and played their part
‘HE’ jumped in air and shouted, “She is my heart”
‘THEY’ brought her home and nurtured with care
And bestowed upon her the love ‘THEY’ shared
With glistening eyes and hands unfold,
I listened to this story which my mom told,
‘SHE’ was my MOM, ‘HE’ was my DAD,
And it was I who was born, a neonate.
‘THEY’ played with her and made her laugh
By acting like bull and sometimes a calf.
‘THEY’ were awake for nights when she was ill
Took her to the best hospitals and paid her bills.
‘THEY’ took great care and fed her best
Whenever she peaked, ‘THEY’ could not rest
‘HE’ held her hand and made her walk,
‘SHE’ took her in the lap and taught her to talk.
‘HE’ didn’t punish her when she broke ‘HIS’ glasses,
A thing which was must for his work and classes.
‘SHE’ smiled even when she spilled the milk
On floor, on bed or on ‘HER’ dress of silk.
She often broke the crockery and her toys
But all these acts never hampered ‘THEIR’ joys
With glistening eyes and hands unfold,
I listened to this story which my mom told,
‘SHE’ was my MOM, ‘HE’ was my DAD,
And it was I who always kept ‘THEM’ busy and mad.
‘THEY’ celebrated her birthdays with sweets and cakes
For doing preparations, early morning ‘SHE’ would wake
‘HE’ returned from office with balloons and candles
And toys and frocks and lovely sandals
‘THEY’ accompanied her on the first day of her school
Where she cried and cried for hours like fool
‘SHE’ taught her to write, ‘HE’ taught her to read
And told her about animals, plants and seeds
One day ‘HE’ bought a new cycle for her
She laughed and clapped and sang and slurred.
‘HE’ taught her cycling and all techniques to paddle
And ran behind her while she rode sitting comfortably on the saddle.
And ‘SHE’ was also busy teaching her spellings
And made sure that there is no lack in her upbringing
With glistening eyes and hands unfold,
I listened to this story which my mom told,
‘SHE’ was my MOM, ‘HE’ was my DAD,
And it was I the learner, she said.
Then came days when I grew mature
Able to understand things myself for sure
‘YOU’ never restricted and gave me wings
And taught me to be self-dependent and manage own things.
But for discipline ‘YOU’ were always firm and strong
And rightly punished me whenever I went wrong
I still remember the tough times of board
When ‘YOU’ stood like a pillar on which I shored
In times of trouble ‘YOU’ were always there by my side
As Parents, a friend, a Teacher or Guide.
They say for a girl life is full of thorns,
But for me it was ‘A CRADLE OF ROSES’ ever since I was born
My love for ‘YOU’ I can never express
Whatever I’ll say, the words will be less.
With glistening eyes and hands unfold, ‘THEY’ listened to the story then I told
‘YOU’ are my MOM; ‘YOU’ are my ‘DAD’
And if all girls have such parents then
BEING A GIRL…NO ONE WILL EVER REGRET