Love Has No Price Tag

Today I spilled soup on the 

White crochet table liner

Leaving a stain and shouted at

'Look at what you have done Dad

I bought this from Budapest,

Now it will have to be trashed'.

Today I forgot to switch off the lights

'How many times have to tell you Dad

I have to pay the electricity bills every month'.

Today I took my grandson to the park

He fell off the slide and hurt his back

'Why can't you be more careful Dad

He could have died for lack of your attention'

All through the day I kept quiet being 

Reprimanded for every act of mine.

My son doesn't remember, the many times

He wanted a piggy back ride, I didn't deny

Despite two broken ribs and pain I suffered.

My son doesn't remember me cupping my hands, to collect his vomit when he threw up.

My son doesn't remember pooping on my only

English pin-striped suit when I was leaving

For an important meeting in the office.

I don't blame him for not remembering, 

He was just three. Understand childhood amnesia can't help him recall those incidents I never forgot. Tonight I decided I shall leave, with a note to my son...

"I've signed a blank cheque, please fill in the amount you deem fit for the damages and rising utility bills. I wish I could sign another blank cheque for you to encash for my limitless love. Unfortunately, love carries no price tag. Don't worry son, I have willed you my property, so you don't have to run after me, to get this done. You don't need to feel pressurised to perform my last rites, I have already contracted it to Arya Samaj. Live in peace son, and let me live the rest of my days under the sun, with dignity, self-respect unscratched.'