The Police And Thief game

My mom and I have played a lot of games 

From lego cities to crayon kitties 

From carrom board to cricket on road 

But the one my heart holds as the closest 

The one we have played the longest

Is the ‘Police and Thief’ game.. 

When I was a toddler 

I would escape using dancing monkeys and singing parrots..

But my mom would sneak up on me 

And catch me red-handed before my cries of hunger 

My cries that would silence the monkeys and parrots 

To feed me and more importantly, my starving toys.. 

When I started going to school 

I would escape using cricket bats and video games..

But my mom would keep an eye on me 

And catch me red-handed before an act of mischief

Like a broken window or a broken computer screen 

To rescue me from angry neighbours and grumpy PlayStation owners..

When I started going to college 

I would escape using birthday parties and group-study nights..

But my mom would patiently wait for me 

And catch me red-handed after an event of sadness 

Like a fight with friends or a rejection from a girl 

To let me know that she always loves me.. 

When I started working 

I would escape using client meetings and team outings.. 

But my mom would correctly call me 

And catch me red-handed in a state of confusion

During a task delegation or in handling a client’s expectation

To let me know that she is proud of me.. 

My mom and I have played a lot 

My favourite being the ‘Police and Thief’ game..

But as time flies and my mom ages

With her mind in a constant state of thought

Maybe the roles need not be the same 

Maybe I can don the police hat 

And she can try escaping with many a loving claim..