Angel (For My Mother) Poem by Jeevan Bhagwat

It had been so long
since my last visit
and, wanting to surprise you
I found you outside,
your basket of linen
half full on the lawn,
your sheets swaying on the line.

You are singing softly
in the cool of evening,
an Ave Maria as tender
and sweet
as the memory of childhood
when at your feet,
I listened
for the very first time.

And you turn and smile
in the shimmering light,
heart as pure as heavenly love,
while all around you
white sheets gleam,
like angel wings
unfolding.