Shobhana Kumar

Learning to Tell Time

for the first time on time grandfather clock

In the last several years, this road trip has almost turned into a pilgrimage. Sometimes, it is just a day. Rarely, a few more. We gather around her bed, four generations sprawled across the large four-poster and listen to her, waiting for a nugget or two of wisdom. Last year, she taught us how to never look up but look down and be grateful. The year before, it was her signature recipe with mangoes. This year, she just smiles and drifts away into a long slumber. By the time she wakes, it is time for us to leave.

after several years
the brief blooming
of frangipani