Lost For Ever

I woke up one sunny Sunday 

To find the time nearly noon

I wondered where my mother'd gone

Without waking me up that day.

I looked for her around the house

But alas! That was all in vain

I noticed my house quite crowded,

Whispers and terrifying silence followed me.

I saw my dad on the sofa, looking grim, his face in his hands.

I went to him and asked for my mom

He shook his head and sighed.

I saw people looking at me, their faces full of sympathy.

At last, I found my mother in the sitout

Sleeping on a large banana leaf

The Sun's rays tickling her face,

And smiling to herself in her dreams.

I moved towards her but was stopped by my dad

Who hugged me, his eyes full of tears

I watched people carrying my mother out

And placing her on the sandalwood heap.

I watched the fire roaring with laughter, feeding on my mother

I didn't cry, I didn't weep, I didn't faint nor scream.

I stood there, knowing as I always did, she lives

In my heart, though lost forever....