CAMOUFLAGE

'Be honest to yourself
to everyone
it is the best policy,
be frank always
and don't try to
hide anything from your elders
be studious and gentlemanly
and be obedient
to parents, teachers,
elders,
be pleasant always
keep a broad-smile
be happy, try to be
happy
displaying a glum face
too bad,
always ventilate your grievances
before your elders
thus reducing the burden
of your heart,
always be a nice guy'
-thus went on
mother's advices,
mother always remained
happy and cool
always she sported a
broad warm smile
she always remained
a model-wife to my father
a model-mother to myself
remained she loyal and
lovable toward father
made for each other
thus they looked like
thus they behaved
proud of her
we celebrated
life,
forcing others envious
of us.
---------One day
to my shock and dismay
found I
she weeping alone
while nobody was around
inside the bedroom.
Beads of tear-drops
I saw on the floor below
spellbound I stood
she saw me not
remained me silent
her mind like a butterfly
must have been winging
around somewhere
what forced her to weep,
who made her weep
what made her weep
a chain of thoughts
started nagging me.
First time in my life
yes, the first time
noticing her weeping.
'Amma' - I called
my soft hands on her shoulder
shocked she turned around
rubbing eyes with a towel
sporting that usual
broad smile,
as if nothing had transpired
looked she straight
into my eyes
like a camera
focussing me.
'What made you weep'
'Amma tell me what'..?
'Naughty you
don't, you know
haven't I told you,
not to hide anything
to be frank and honest
always
to ventilate your griefs
and joys.....?'
I stood aghast
finding no answer
without she telling me
now I know very much
I know
like the basement of
a crystal-clear stream
where stars and moon
reflect on a starry night.