My Living Durga Poem by Bireswar Halder

One day I came across a living Durga
Very lean and thin, a begging bowl in hand
A torn out saree draped around her...
With a weak vision, a carved stick only a friend
She gropes her way to me for a little help.
I stare at her face - full of divinity
'Can you help a starved and unfortunate old lady, my son?
What a miserable life I lead always.
None is there to look after me
Not even a little bit love, sympathy, compassion
In their hearts - what a tragedy!
Yes, I am illiterate, I am untouchable and ugly looking
So they feel ashamed today
To introduce me as their mother
Have you seen that small but nice home, look…
Its mine, still it's mine but
Alas no shelter for me!
I have sacrificed my life for them
Today I am to beg from door to door
What a beautiful reward for me in return
I am nothing but an untouchable old mother
Everything they had grabbed from me..
And finally threw me out to the streets
Still I love them, pray for their happiness
Do you know why? Because I am a mother
I feel proud to be a mother
Let them be happy, be peaceful
I forgive their offences, their injustice
But do you know why
Because I love them selflessly
I dreamt a colourful life with my children,
In the evening I wait in the pavement
I listen grandchildren's sweet voices
I desire to have a look but none comes out
Can you tell me why education makes them
So rude, so degraded, so inhuman?
When the call will come?
I stare tears rolling down continuously
'Please don't cry, dear mother,
Let us have a delicious food you like
You are a lovely mother, please don't cry anymore
You can depend on me,
You can trust me as your own son
Let me treat and serve you properly
I am your lost illiterate foster son
But have full love, compassion
In my little heart for you
Lets proceed, oh dear mother.
We both will make a wonderland
As you are my living Durga.'