The Winter Sun

By Chaitanya Gandhi

Beneath the gentle winter sun

She closes her eyes to revisit herself 

The blinding crimson unlocks the vault of her past

A life before children, a husband, a cage too vast

She sees herself, tiny hands holding milk

A warm ball of joy stirs the pot on the stove

A mother’s care a universe of love

Holding onto her drape, for her dear life

“It gets lonely without you, Maa, you should know”

The ghost of bliss enchanting casts her mellow spell

Lifts her gently saying, “I know, my child”

She shifts back to her freckled grace,

Seeking answers in her mother’s face

“Do they see me, Maa, like you always did?

Do they know the battles I have quietly hid?

“Your grandson comes to me, his demons in tow 

But mine devour me whole, more than they’ll ever know 

Her mother smiles, her soldier grown,

“Gudia, rise now”- you are not alone.

The fading crimson will soon depart

But I’m here always, within your heart

And if you forgot the sugar today, it’s fine

Close your eyes, child

Bring it next time 

See you next crimson, when the winter sun glows,

I’ll be there waiting, where only love flows.

By Chaitanya Gandhi