Our parents drove with all eight of us,
Through life’s many rugged terrains
The destination was still far from complete
When Father’s sudden departure
Left Ma alone at the driver’s seat
Hands weakened, yet firmly on the steering wheel
Eyes fixed on the long and lonely road,
Ma made sure that payments were made
At every toll gate leading to the area of adulthood
Especially entrances to the districts of education and marriage
Whilst eating the fruit of education
And basking in the sunshine of family life
Enters Time, my elusive friend
From behind the pressures of the day
And gives me a friendly reminder …
Time reminds me of the only expected returns
From Ma’s enormous investment
In the Bank of Unconditional Love
Is to answer an eagerly awaited call
And the joy of being in our midst.
'Fulfill that expectation now' says Time,
Let Ma hear your heartfelt gratitude
Listen to her of stories of bygone days
Let Ma know NOW of your unconditional love
Before The Wheel Of Life completes its cycle
P M Naidu/27/10/04
*A reminder to myself for the undying debt I owe Ma*
