I can see myself
As new-born baby,
An earliest impression,
I try to recall,
Surprising,
The result becomes, A day old barely.
Receiving vigorous attention,
Of my maternal grandmother.
Squatting on a stool,
In an airy room
Turned to maternity. Look on her face.
A broad metal basin
Half-filled
With soapy warm water.
Across her knees,
Water proof-sheeting, With a capable left-hand,
supports me.
While with the other,
Liberally anoints me.
My eyes shut
My mouth wide open In protest.
Arms and legs crossed.
And my body still,
Curled up.
Having thoroughly,
Lathered me, Dips into the basin
scoops content all over me.
As water runs,
Into my mouth,
I shut up.
Sharp! Half-choking,
I gulp hard, and
Let out a yell
Of even, louder protest,
She ignores me.
Task ahead. Lifts on her lap.
Briskly towelled.
My body gleans brown,
Like a newly-minted coin,
The pink blush of dilated,
Alone vessels, Showing underneath a copper skin,
Assembled ladies,
Take a look at my face,
Squash nose,
Puffy little eyes and,
Admiringly say; Just like his daddy!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem