Grandma

By Sayok Sarkar

Those freezing hands were once

The warmest I ever felt, warmest - even the darkest of fears would melt;

That speechless mouth was once

My bedtime story teller;

Those motionless hands were once

My guide, taking me into slumber every night;

Those heartbeats that once fueled the body is now at rest;

Lifebird that thrived inside has flown to land beyond our own - amidst the angels She will be the brightest I hope;

I will try not to cry - but I know I can't when I see Her for the last time, those grey hands folded in Death;

Perfume of old age She wore were once the most fragrant thing I ever smelled;

Eighteen years it has been - I know She won't be there when I go to sleep;

I know She won't be there when I pick up Her medicine;

I know She won't be there when I scream;

I know She won't be there when I am out;

She is nowhere to be found - not here nor there;

That laughter, that chiding, that anger will vanish with Her mixing into the very Earth.

By Sayok Sarkar