An Enigma I Called Mum...

Cradled safely in the haven of your womb,
Protected from any harm that could have come...
My wails turned into smiles when you held me tightly in your arms,
My first wobbly foot prints on this earth had yours firmly next to mine...
Each tear rolling down my cheeks wiped away with warm kisses of love,
Skinned knees & broken hearts tended with bandages of adoring hands...
Tantrums for my inane demands fizzled down with hugs I can still feel,
Your undying spirit always leaves me mystified, for you never gave up fighting for what’s right,
Never did you once think for yourself or “what’s mine”,
Every breath you took spoke of sacrifice...
I fought with you, cried in your arms, but life's taken away that right of mine,
It’s hard to act like a grown up but then I do as you might,
Each action of mine still awaits your reactions of aghast or delight...
Every gesture, every expression of yours screamed grace beyond compare,
When others say "You look so like your mother", my heart’s tears turn into smiles,
For I know you would always reflect through me, as I am just an echo of you, Mum..
Miss you each moment though I feel your presence around me at all times,
Your  voice guides me down this treacherous path called life,
This enigma I called Mum would always exist until my footprints mark the sands of time...

                                                                                     -- Radhika Arora