An evocative poem by Sarala that celebrates the innocence of a girl-child within an old woman, in Different Truths.

Behind her silvery threads 
Creaking bones 
Wrinkled face
Lifeless eyes 
Still, there is an innocent
Child 
Wanting to fly kites
Cutting her friend's kite
And holding her tight 
Saying sorry, I will buy you more! 
Her bare hands 
Still, she wants to wear
Glass bangles colourful 
And silver anklets 
Making sounds 
When she walks 
But she is denied 
Of all her pleasures 
As she is old n no money to spare!
My heart says 
Go and satisfy her wishes 
As she is still young at heart 
Why deprive her of 
These small pleasures 
Let her live happily 
The balance of her life 
And enjoy her precious 
Old age!
I go and dress her up 
With pretty attire and 
Take her for a walk 
Holding her hands 
Just to see her smile once more!
We both look at the 
Moving clouds
Sitting in a meadow near 
Enjoying popcorns 
I felt happy I made her smile
Once more!

Picture design Anumita Roy

#Poem #Verse #Smile #Pleasure #Colourful #Popcorn #Innocent #DifferentTruths

Sarala Balachandran

Sarala Balachandran was working with an import-export organisation in the administrative department for 38 years. She retired eleven years back. Married, with two sons aged 43 and 36, she took interest in writing recently. She writes free verses.