An evocative poem by Dr Molly about a young mother’s woes and worries – exclusively for Different Truths.
How they
change with
the times
mothering,
its woes...
the pleasures
pain and
stress
that centre
round
the little
darling
takes newer
levels...
A granny
half sick
with a throat
so sore and
a stifled cough
I watch
my daughter
minding
the kid
straddling
between
home and
work, or rather
" work from home"
after tending,
breast feeding
settling household
chores
she steals
her space
into the computer
the maid
put in charge
to look after
the babe...
the maid
struggles
pacifying the babe
feeding, petting
coaxing her
to sleep
but the little
imp refuses,
well she scents
her mamma's
presence,
wailing without
stop, her cries
renting the air…
the poor mother
caught up in
client call
is at wit's end
the random grandma
is of no use
yet I intervene...
No, the adamant
angel persists
till her mom is near
cutting her job
to be with her...
how distraught
she looks
my daughter
the young mom!
me too, once
a working woman
mothering two...
but times were
different,
when doting
seasoned ayahs
took over
under vigilant
grandma’s eyes...
stationed far off
how can
grandparenting
help
these difficult
times?
no wonder
new gens
opt out marriage
parenting...
life is far too short
pressed with
occupational
hazards...
basic mothering
still totters
faltering
agonised
on peripheries dim...
Picture design by Anumita Roy
Dr Molly Joseph, a bilingual professor and poet from Kerala, has published 26 books, including 18 poems, two novels, and two storybooks for children. She has edited “A Handbook of Contemporary Ethics” and works for values, global peace, and togetherness. Dr Joseph has won national and international accolades and represents India at SAARC and FOSWAL literature meets. She believes in the power of the word and writes boldly on contemporary matters.
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