The Calling

By Nehida Parayil

Theme: Observations and reflections in the middle of the night when responding to the call of an elderly.

As the call cut through the clear night,

The tenants restored to earthly sight,

Unmoving arms and sleepy eyes,

That the urge to aid decries,

Rush to seek the callers’ needs.

The elderly caller so weak,

The clattering bones,

Calmed with a warm cuppa,

The gurgling stomach,

Tamed with half a biscuit,

The purse around the waist,

Needed changing without haste.

One stood near the door,

Two stood in the room,

Near the door she thought,

For her parents she must do the same.

By Nehida Parayil