Faces Engraved Poem by Malabika Ray Choudhury

The Faces engraved in my soul -
used to be too occupied, overwhelmed with packing
my suitcases, my passport, my children,
when I got in the car to the airport.

my dad always escorted me, to the mammoth airport, swarming with passengers in a panic,
agonizing about his adorable daughter be lost!
I dashed in with all my baggage, safeguarding my kiddies,
he waited patiently for hours until the plane left with a roar.
right before I entered the security, I used to turn
to see him, my dad, for a moment.

that handsome Face with lines -  unconditional affection pouring for an undeserving daughter!

another face - a little boy,

waving hesitantly at me from the highly prestigious boarding-school yard,
where he was left to, for a great future,
to learn to be tough, and not miss his mother,
and two little sisters.
holding a thick book, as his sanctuary.
how much I miss that little shy face, trying to be brave,
and want to go back,  and alter everything,
I Can't.

a little girl - fresh from Afganisthan,

the face is like a freshly blossomed flower.
a face which lit like a Diya, spreading light at night,
she danced like a peacock every time she saw me
as if she found an oasis in the desert!

she was stopped seeing her refuge,
she was advised to be independent!
she kept peering at the door to spot me approach,
all I could do, to glance the other way, teary-eyed!

Your Face!
how do I forget the fervent expressions, expectations, in those tender eyes,
when you visited, apparently, to complete an urgent mission,
with a load full of overpowering medical books.
and I peeped through the window which separated the two worlds
of serious discussions and delightful conversations,
and pretended to be engrossed in my artistic creations.
I was a master of pretence, wasn't I? I had to be!
but did not forget to have a quick glance at Your Face -
somberly hiding a quivering heart -

through that large window with imperishable bars!