In childhood, I would tug at Mum and say,
“Let’s play!”
Sometimes she could,
Other times, life got in the way.
I would search the house,
A small hand reaching for her time-
But she had three others to care for,
While I only had one: Her,
Now, in adulthood, time has reshuffled.
Mum texts me,
“Mind playing Ludo with me online?”
We’re all so far now-
My siblings, scattered.
She has only me.
And I…
I am the same little girl,
Singular.
Still waiting for her-
But this time,
I am the one occupied with “other stuff.”
And our game of Ludo,
Our time together-
Is never quite done!
But, the void…..
It’s never filled up!
©® Farheen Bhuiyan Nancy
Time Frame: 3.55 pm, MIST, Mirpur Cantonment.