Madhu’s evocative poem, featuring karela and palak, evokes bittersweet nostalgia for a mother’s cooking, a unique experience, exclusively for Different Truths.

Cooking karela with palak and veggies
your signature mishmash 
tangy, bitter and taste of love…
I'd call you to put the kadhai on flame
lazy to remember 
you’re always in hand...
Today when I tried to recreate the magic
my memory slipped
tears fell ...
I tried to recall the words 
you had repeated to me...
“Once I close my eyes
then you will see,
so callous and carefree…”
With no one to call,
no one to scold 
now, I know what you meant.
I'll grow up Mother,
I have your memories,
full of love and care
to nourish my days!

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Madhu Sriwastav

Madhu Sriwastav is a Kolkata-based academic, poet, short story writer, reviewer and translator. Her poems have been published and anthologised in National and International journals and magazines, both online and in print. Her debut book of poems, Trips Climbs Circles, has received rave reviews. She received the Jury Award 2022 in the Panorama International Literature Festival. Her latest book is a translation of Chitra Mudgal’s award-winning novel, Post Box No.203, Nala Sopara, by Sahitya Akademi.

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