Guggu

A Poem by Ananya

Long ago
I breathed in a home
That always smelled sweet

Two women, fast friends
Used to make jellies and jams
Squashes and pickles

One's toddler
Looking after another's infant

I would talk
Gu Gu guggu
And he would coo back

It stuck
The name
Guggu

Sweet like those jellies
Fragrant

Now the home is silent
It is full of musty smells
Of dead friendships
Of murdered memories
Decaying tears and sighs

My breath longs for those days
I wish to taste those sweets
Once again
I want to hear you say
Guggu

Once again
I want my home back