Sumitra Kumar

Impermanence 

peonies open 
and close to a day’s rhythm 
somewhere 
in the world 
an ongoing war

Memories of my mother-in-law resurface, especially her saying—pozhatchu kadantha (if we survive the night), we shall cook some exotic dish tomorrow; or do this or that. 

In our native language, Tamil, the words ring sweeter to me, infusing a profound spiritual meaning. It spells the uncertainty of life and the humility one might possess; the preparedness we must have, so our loved ones can move on in our absence. It inculcates a calm and a sense of detachment from the world where death is the only certainty.

blossoms
slowly fading…
how i pray 
that our ends 
will come with dignity

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About the Author

Sumitra Kumar has published articles, poems, and travelogues in the lifestyle magazine Women Exclusive. She is a passionate blogger and poet. She has won many awards in national writing contests conducted by Inner Wheel. Sumitra makes her home in Chennai, India, working with her husband in their packaging and automation business. Her poetry/art website is https://www.sumitrakumar.com

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