It seems so far away...

My Day



I stitch your torn buttons and my frayed sling bag.

I boil the water for morning tea



I wash your soiled socks and

Soak the dishcloths and rags for later,



I hang them out to dry and pick the ones

From yesterday.



I wipe the kitchen platform dry after filling

Mine and your bottle at the sink.



I catch the cobwebs from the window sill

Amma missed in the daytime cleaning drill.



I put the electric heater on for bath

Propped up on a precarious hanger.



I clip my nails too close and use your foot scrubber

And help myself to a clean kurta and some of your kajal.



I shop for fresh vegetables and spices

I don't recognize.



I dice I chop I grate.

I cook , clean , clear away and wait.



I check what needs replenishing

And make a long mental wish list.



I wish I could buy ten hands at the bazaar.



I sigh, light a cigarette which dies



sit down on the bare floor and



Write some poetry.



-At Rakhi's

Gachibowli

Hyderabad.