Ma

The little boy sleeps contented, 

Out of harm’s way in the blanket;

Loved.

Knowing his mother is close by

He knows peace, he knows dreams;

He is her beloved.

He glances at her

searching for reassurance

Before getting on the school van.

And comes back with a bunch of questions;

Many hows and whys

Awaiting the assurance that he can.

Playing on the swing,

He believes,

He aims high.

Knowing he could only fall in her arms, if ever;

He grows feeble wings

Every time she tells him he can fly.

Proud enough not to hold her hand on the way back;

Not ashamed but trying to grow up in her shade

And yet stepping out of it, every once in a while.

A day comes when he runs to his friends, forgets to bid her goodbye.

Only to come back home to someone everyday

Who stands on the doorstep with a smile.