Taste

By Sindhu Verma

The two men at the cashier's

Exchange glances and giggle.

Even before I mention my order

They key in Upma to the machine,

Yell it to the cook,

And then cockily say...

"Upma and what else Madam?"

What I do must seem funny and nondescript.

What is so charming about that simple dish?

Of semolina and seasoning

That I try it each time at my workplace,

Knowing it won't taste so well.

And so, these men are baffled.

They do not know that this simple dish

Is what my mother made extraordinary;

That this is what she insisted

On cooking for me even when she was ill,

When I came home on holidays

Because she knew I liked it so much

Making me like it even more;

That I try it many times at many places

Knowing that it won't be the same

Or maybe because I know it can't be so.

By Sindhu Verma