Mamta explores the essence of family on the UN International Families Day (May 15), exploring the changing values and mores. Here’s Different Truths’ Special Feature on the UN International Day of Families.

Like the scent of the parched earth
Fragrant and free
The family that used to be
Not packaged, gift wrapped and out of reach
The diminished bonds we see
With means too austere
A large house almost threadbare
Abundant in strength, love and care
Laughter, tears and adventurous outdoors
A life rhythmic with a gregarious sync
The glorious leisure from sunrise
The day’s end would usher in unbridled melee
The sparkle of ma’s nose-ring
The tinkling of her bangles
White rice and dal tempered with ghee
Raucous kids fed and tamed together
With didactic tales from the fables
On how devil would follow
The mischievous one with glee
It was a beautiful life
As long it was there
Where numbers were large
The chambers thoroughfare
Hearts never insecure
Transgressions forgiven
No one was rude
Grievances understood
Relatives tickled our lives
With their witty repartee
Past now a mere requiem
Gutsy laughter just a pipe dream
Serotonin not enough in store
Loneliness has to be whittled
Life is such a chore
The human touch
Therapeutic and comforting
Missing in this routine
Everyone is still connected
The world wide web that rules
The joyous images centred on the screen
If the Wi-fi is active or the person keen
Is this scenario of a family or just a mise- en- sce’ne?

©Mamta Joshi

Pix from Net.

Mamta Joshi

Mamta Joshi did her post graduation in History from University of Allahabad. She writes short stories, reflective essays, prose pieces on everyday life in national dailies and international e-magazines. She writes with equal ease in Hindi. For over two decades, as a teacher of English in college section at SMC, Allahabad, she has been interacting with young minds, understanding their pulse and in turn being savvy on technology, fitness, fashion, humour and rumour too.

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