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
How adroitly Elizabeth captures the rootlessness of the persona’s roots ! One is,obliquely, reminded of Kamala Das’s childhood reminiscences .
Thanks a lot Vijay. Your words encourage me.
Superbly crafted, an elegantly nuanced and carefully textured existential essay.