Maa Tujhe Salaam

This day a decade back you left us to cry

And set out on your journey may be in the sky

Time goes on but in our hearts, you still live

And in our ears, we hear you whisper, "Give, give and give".

I have known you for more than sixty-odd years

The one person we could turn to allay our fears

You would always find time to give us a pleasant hug

Though we would constantly your sari tug.

You would never tolerate any falsehood

Though my friends in the neighbourhood

Would try to spare me from your wrath

Whenever I would run away from an oil bath!

You would ever patiently and endlessly relate

Stories at bedtime, though we would keep you up so late

You wished the best for us, nothing but the best

Today we are happy we stood up to your test.

Ten years have passed as if they were months ten

When in your womb we were silent as Zen

The troubles we gave you, the tantrums all

Patiently you bore with us and made us look tall

We now look up to our children and theirs

Living their lives peacefully without any cares

The values you inculcated in us, the love you showered

Are all standing us in good stead and making us powered

Ma, wherever you may be, your kindness will be felt

Your halo will shield us like a safety belt

We recollect your face serene and calm,

Our lovely mother, Ma Tujhe Salaam