Memorying Featuring Sapna Pius

I hold onto my mother
Through her little things.
The sarees she used to wear.
Sometimes, when the wind plays with the pallu
I catch a glimpse of her through the flutter.

I hold onto my mother
With the tea set she didn't really serve a lot of tea from
But held onto like a cherished tradition.
I see her on the crook of my finger.
As I pour her a little tea.

I hold onto my mother
With the same arch of her eyebrow
That rests on mine.
Hoping she continues to see the world through my eyes.
If i get the geometry just right
Perhaps she may see
Her grandchildren grow.
My new plants, My new plans.
How perfectly her jewellery fit my slender fingers.
How perfectly she continues to hold my hand

Every day

These are the ways i hold onto my mother
Through what she let me have.
Things that she cherished, things she loved. things she secreted away for reasons best known to her.
Things that remind me everyday that she loved.

And people call them "just things".