How can mothers afford to fall ill?

For then wouldn’t the entire household

come to a standstill?

At such times, sibling rivalry is usually at its very best

putting the poor ailing mother’s patience to test.

Junk food becomes the order of the day

as teenagers can’t  just wait to make hay.

The kitchen looks so pitiable – it is in utter chaos.

The jam bottle is open and so is that of the sauce.

Newspapers lie strewn all over carelessly.

The tv blares and the phone rings ceaselessly.

Washed clothes cry out aloud for help

for with the unwashed ones there is a mix-up.

The doorbell keeps shattering the ear

as people fight over who’s far and who’s near.

If you think you can take a break

from the daily grind whenever you fall ill,

think  twice, my dear friend,

it’s better to be always fit as a fiddle.

Gita Ashok

27/4/2011, 11:40 am