You Were Also Once Me

By Mariyam Shirolkar

Remember, mother, every time when my soul seethed, “I hate you,” to you?

Remember, father, every time when my soul cursed in anger at you?

When I had bitter resentment sleeping on my tounge.

When I had cold love;

Barely reaching my hamaetogenic heart,

And then flowing in my vainful veins,

For the both of you.

When all I thought about was how unlucky and unfortunate I am?

When I wished I wasn’t your daughter—never born,

Never yours to begin with?

But something has changed.

My eyes have removed their remorseful mask of despise and somehow can truly see

you.

My ears have uncovered their prideful blind and somehow can finally hear you.

My heart has banished the coat of hate, and somehow the blood with which I relate to

you is now nodding in agreement.

My mind has unveiled the fact that 2 perspectives can exist and somehow can deeply

feel you.

My soul has washed itself with the soap of understanding and somehow can

vehemently feel connected to you.

And my mouth?

Well… it’s finally awake.

The ignorant hat of ungratefulness has been replaced with words of reconciliation and

appreciation.

I am sorry, mom and dad…

I never realised how much you both sacrificed for me—

Your dreams,

Your life,

Your wishes,

Your desires,

Your interests,

And I might as well add your money!

Indeed, I regret calling myself motherless and fatherless.

Shame and disgrace now haunt me.

But my soul? It finally understands in peace.

It wasn’t your fault,

Nor was it mine,

It is just life playing its games,

Giving us tests,

And singing its harmoniously distant melody.

Indeed, you were also once me.

By Mariyam Shirolkar