The old women of Vrindavan

In the midst of the scorching sun, 

I meander in the streets of Vrindavan. 

My feeble legs chase pedestrians, 

asking for at least a morsel of bread, 

if not money. 

My fading eyes probe everywhere, 

to find commoners busy 

in their work. 

They fail to know themselves, 

then how would they notice me? 

Few years back, 

I had a roof, 

and a son to support me. 

Bad times arrived. 

Tranquility in the house turned to chaos. 

He inflicted scathing wounds within me, 

threatening to kill himself, 

if I don't leave. 

Which mother would wish to see her son do so? 

I left. 

Like me, many such old women stay here, 

alienated by our kith and kin, 

begging for alms everyday, 

braving the daily heat, 

and the night chill. 

We survive in pessimism, 

but, with a hope, 

that someday 

our son will take her along. 

Our children must have thought, 

that if we are abandoned, 

we would wither away. 

But, we lived on, 

for if we can nourish others 

with our shade of love and care, 

we can do so for ourselves, 

by the grace of Sri Krishna, 

even in the course of our final steps, 

towards the pyre. 

C Kumar 

September 5 2015

Author's Note

I saw an old episode of Satyamev Jayate which talked about ill treatment of senior citizens by their own children. There is a small village in Vrindavan where old mothers who are abandoned by their children stay. They spend their final years in despair and chant Krishna's name to comfort themselves. This is a small tribute to them.

Reviews

[Perkele.7885]

I find it to be a great write on a terrible way for a son to treat his mother. I do not much care whether he likes his mother or not, she is his and his family's burden until she passes. His and his siblings first and then other members of the family.

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for reviewing my work Raj. I hope people across the globe inculcate compassion within themselves.

[andrew mitchell]

This is sad but how true this happens today. A profound write

[Insight "MH"]

That was so sad, nice arrangement though. Thank you for sharing this fine piece.

Insight.

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your feedback on this poem Insight :)

[Insight "MH"]

You are very welcome.

[Emily]

Nice poem!
Keep on writing!

[Chirag Kumar]

Thank you Emily for your appreciation

[Archana]

great emotions ...... makes me sad....I really hope no parents see such a day.....

[Chirag Kumar]

Such is the reality in many homes, Archana. Hope better sense prevails upon such children. Thanks for appreciating my work.

[Connie]

wow, a sad but powerful poem

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for the review Connie :)

[Willard Wells]

Some children do not understand respect for the elder. As with much of the world it is as loss of humanity and empathy. Well penned young man.

[Chirag Kumar]

True Willard. Thanks for your review :)

[B]

To be cruel to anyone
that is ill
Set aside the elderly
You write of something so profound here
We all play a role in shaping our own social well being
by pointed the finger at bad behavior
and the worst of all is treating an elderly with disrespect
if i personally witness that
i would react very sharply

I love it Chirag
Shine on

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your appreciation Nisreenaa :)

[wordman]

a sad write,but a good write

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks Wordman :)

[....................]

in some old cultures, the elders were sent into snow storms or the wilderness, depending on the season, to perish so that they might not be a burden to a family who requires daily movement...things like this really sadden me...beautifully-written

[Chirag Kumar]

We are becoming more and more materialistic with every passing time. In the course of minting money, children tend to forget the ones who raised them to be able to earn a living. I guess this is a reality across the globe.

[....................]

yes, i guess it is...thankfully my culture tends to cherish the elderly...