Empty Stomach Poem by Bishnupada Sethi

I would be dozing off
Swaying to a non conscious state.
All my limbs almost collapsing
After a long day
Full of studies, fun and play
At late nights.

I remember fondly-
How a pair of hands
Always tried to wake me up
Even pouring gently some water
Over my closed eyes-
So that I didn't sleep
In empty stomach.

It was then
A matter of great irritation
Though I would yield
Much to the love,
Persuasions and soothing words.
I would respond
Intermittently to the calls
While the caring hands fed me.
I would chew and didn't forget
To swallow the morsels.

Years later-
Now I look for
Those two caring hands,
Wait past midnights
With eyes wide open.
Who will call?
Who is worried
If I'm hungry?


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