Neena Singh

Being Mortal

My 6-year-old grandson says, “Daadi,* I will marry at 21. How old will you be then?”

“81,” I reply, looking through my spectacles at his bright eyes.

“Will you be alive?”

“Well, that’s a tough question to answer, for no one knows when the call comes.” 

“Who calls us, Daadi—is it God?”

“Probably,” a trifle unsure, I respond.

“I wish I were God,” he smiles.

young bamboo
my hand reaches
to touch the green 

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Note: Daadi is the Hindi word for “grandmother.” 

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About the Author

Neena Singh lives in Chandigarh, India. Her haiku, senryu, tanka, and haibun have appeared in online and print journals. Former banker, she now runs a non-profit for underprivileged children. She enjoys exploring gardens and has authored two books of poetry.

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