The Family Poem by Anil Kumar Panda

We are there in the garden
in the lazy sunday afternoon
father smoking sitting in a chair
we sit on mats
playing ludo games and cards
mother making chicken biriyani
with my aunts and sisters
who cut vegetables and wash them
my little brother chasing the doggie
pulling his tail and twisting his ears
doggie cuddles him
they both roll on mats
and mother shouts at them
housemaid is happy
wearing a new saree mother
had gifted her in Diwali

father takes lunch
feels a little choked in chest
nothing wrong
he smiles at mom
she has been a very good cook
he appreciates

sun goes down
we are back inside home
tea is made
taking sips father looks at me
always feel good with family
he says as drops of tear hang
on sides of his glassy eyes