Where I'm From

By S. Sonali

I am from the bicycle and carrom board,

Late evening tuitions and ironed uniforms,

from running amok with my friends in childhood 

and not calling them anymore adulthood,

I am from my pet dog,

Who wags his tail and huffs running into my lap,

I’m from the photographs taken on my phone,

Of beautiful sunsets and uncountable sky snaps,

From our terrace and pop music, 

The cool breeze, washing me away with fine rhythms.

From the train ticket I kept from my first ride,

And the endless train journeys,

which I grew bored of with time.

I am from the pudding and mango cake I baked,

The giddiness of doing well and delicious taste.

I am from the greeneries and hills, 

That calms my heart, 

And the still water pond,

where I float in a world apart,

I am from the first bench with academic golds 

but the present, where I have nothing much to show,

From anxious nights that creep into my dreams,

breaking down my sense of self,

not even being able to scream.

I am from my elder sister, who is my safe place,

and the secrets from her that I have kept,

From love that was forbidden when I was younger,

and the fear of letting someone in yet longing for.

I am from the wooden dining table that lies in our hall,

from a father who shoulders all the burdens

but doesn't know how to love, 

And a mother who has adjusted to it,

is consumed by her anger as a whole.

By S. Sonali