Unauthorised translation, as always. From Mathrubhumi. April, 2024.
Is it a big deal to forget
a cake of washing soap
a matchbox
or a bit of cumin?
Can’t I get them tomorrow?
I’ll go back and buy them
if you must have them
right now.
What is without solution?
(Except for your quarrels?)
She, however, hasn’t had enough.
Thought it was just a pinch of cumin that you forgot?
Was I with you at least
when I was not there?
Have you ever come home
without forgetting
at least one of the things I asked you for?
Even as you remembered everything else
you forgot one thing.
A thing I needed the most.
You had forgotten me.
A four-year old girl
stood alone
in the open road from high-noon
to dark
five long hours
waiting for the father
who told her he’ll be back in a minute.
I would have waited there, even now,
if not for the neighbor
who took my hand, saying
I will get you home
your father is lost in a game of cards.
Why do all of you
do this
to me?\