By Vandana Rao
“knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”
Aristotle
My amma
made me dosas
with blobs of ghee.
My amma
stood by
and watched me grow.
She laughed at my poor jokes
and admired my squiggly drawings.
She took my hand.
She took my side.
When none would abide
and lent me saris and blouses
to wear to a school show.
She braided and styled
my hair with pretty ties.
My amma.
My only friend
is gone now.
So now I work the signals.
I work the nights.
Everyday
I remember
my amma who
lost a son
and found a daughter
Everyday
I remember
my amma who
took my changed hand
took my changed side
when none would abide.
Everyday
I remember
my amma.
First Published: A Land Without a Home, Notion Press, 2024.