The train pulls away

just as I settle into my window seat

“Lucky you, every holiday you visit a new home”

My friend’s refrain makes me smile

Three uncles and an aunt

from both sides

Four destinations

Two vacations a year

Every fourth trip to the same house

Very clockwork

Very precise

Ever since I could remember

That had been the routine

They were all kind

and loving

The rest of the time, I was in the hostel

Shorter holidays were spent with

the sisters in the convent

who loved me even more

Orphan that I was

roots?

Well….

Yes of course

I do have them

No tap root

but fibrous ones

spread across

four destinations

Elizabeth Kuriakose