That Child, My Mentor Poem by Bashyam Narayanan

That child, my mentor

Morning
On my return from the temple
After chanting prayers for half an hour
I was walking contemplating
On the contents of the prayers
Thoughts suddenly switched over
The chores ahead for the day
The places, offices and people to visit
So that days to come
Will go smoothly
I was ecstatic over my skills, knowledge and what not
And over my negotiating strengths
I allowed me to feel great and confident
That I will able to sail through my life
Independently and without anyone driving it for me

My thoughts got a break
A cycle bell ringing
And the cyclist overtaking me
But riding the cycle very slow and steady
Almost bracing my right shoulder
Just keeping its pace matched with my speed of walk
I saw that baby girl
Probably of three years
Sitting on the back of the cycle
With both her legs safely kept away on side footrests
Her long frock's glittering border fluttering
Apparently enjoying the breeze blowing across
And posing confidence
Leaving everything to her dad, who was riding the cycle
Waving her hands this way that way
And singing a song
Making me realize that she is the happiest
Among the two of us

I was awakening to the fact
That the prayers chanted by me
Just were mentioning this
Leave everything to God
And He will drive your life
He knows where to take you and
He will take you there safely

And that child moving away me
Whose face I did not even see
Is my mentor