She said the world was big, so be bold for it.

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Mustard seeds and powdered spices froth in hot oil

She cupped my pubescent chin,

Only in the way a mother could

She drew me close, registered my face;

Kindness flickered in her eye,

She smiled, for she had witnessed time

But, she saw adventure dance in my heart.

 ~

She said the world would be cruel, so remember who you are.

~

In went the chopped okra and cubed potatoes

With a splash, the vegetables sweat

In the simmering, in the heat

Making sounds of the sea

Waiting for a sign of obedience, of acknowledgement

She smiled, for she saw I had heard

But, she knew my soul would dare.

~

She said the world would be beautiful, so embrace its glory.

~

The lid danced atop the covered pan

Flavors formed and the curried fragrance,

Floated from her kingdom to conquer the house

She smiled blankly

Like she replayed a distant memory

She enveloped me in her soft embrace

But, she felt my teeming rebellion so strong.

~

She said the world would be kind, so stay humble.

~

Craning for her final ingredient,

She reached out for salt on the shelf;

I saw her earth-colored belly,

That nourished me to life

Slightly exposed through her poly-cotton sari

She smiled her smile

And, she knew I would understand someday too.

 ~

She said the world would be insane, so search for stillness.

~

And into the parlor, I hopped behind her

Gathering paper from an old exercise book

Marked in faded blue biro scribbling,

I watched as she folded and created

A paper boat with an anchor

And, placed it in a puddle of rain water

Drifting in the wind, garnering momentum

It set sail.

~

Relephant Read:

A Letter to My Mother.

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Author: Neelam Tewar

Apprentice Editor: Pat Steele Nielsen / Editor: Toby Israel

Image: Moyan Brenn/flickr

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