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An evocative poem, a prayer, about a son and mother, in different ICUs, on his birthday, by Bushra, exclusively for Different Truths.
The mid of April has always been a very special day in our lives, a day we celebrate your birthday, Brother But as you lie alone in your ward of isolation fighting that monster which has invaded our lives my heart cries out for you as I wonder what you must be going through, what thoughts assail you as you struggle to breathe easy, to cling onto precious life, five and a half decades after this life was infused into you as you formed into a beautiful baby In our mother’s womb And Mother, dear Mother I know how you always yearn to spend this happy day each year with your son And how devastated you were when he was rushed to Intensive Care last week And later when you, yourself, had to be rushed to hospital we opted to select the hospital your son was admitted to knowing that it would comfort him if you were close by, as you silently whisper duas and blow them his way Five and a half decades back, dear Brother you and our mother were in hospital together, and you gurgled cheerfully as she embraced you with joy …celebrating new life Five and a half decades later, dear Brother you and our mother are in hospital again, together, …different floors, different ICU’s A very grim scenario this time… And as we desperately pray for your health and life and for several thousands of those in similar circumstances We wish that no more misfortune befall you ever We wish that your path is strewn with blessings from above We wish that no matter how long the night may the sun now rise bright and shining Our hearts are steadfast in our faith for does not every dark cloud have a silver lining! Five and a half decades ago, dear Mother Three little girls waited excitedly for you to return Carrying your precious bundle of joy all swathed in blue… Five and a half decades later, dear Mother three sisters wait anxiously for you to return with our brother, discarding your hospital blues all well and smiling… Come soon, home awaits you! Come soon, your family awaits you!
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