Ghazal: Prayer

My mother’s life, these days,

Are two hands, held together in prayer.

She carries hope on her visits to the temple.

Activity that cements her faith, and strengthens prayer.

Her repetitive words are mantras,

Do what makes you happy, she says as prayer.

The memories of lamps and festivals 

Of times together with loved ones, a song of prayer. 

There are half finished sentences, where am I?

When will you come? These questions, a prayer.

The words in books which she once read aloud

Stay on the page, unheard as silent prayer.

But there is that smile and light in her eyes, whispering -

When I am with you, everything is prayer.

Previouly Published in Siddhe Press, April 24, 2025