Mother's Own Joy

Mother, stay just as you are,
just as you are, exactly as you are.
If ever you want to shed your sari for salwar-kameez
or pants and shirt, even a skirt,
then wear it.
But still, Mother, stay just as you are.

Mother, if ever you want to sleep in very late,
or if ever you simply don't feel like cooking,
then let all of us in the house
make something together and eat.
But please don't force yourself, don't go against your heart
and cook out of habit.
We'll manage somehow for a day or two,
but Mother, be exactly as you wish to be.

Mother, do you ever want to disappear somewhere far away?
Do you sometimes want to become an unbounded child?
In the afternoon or at high noon when we're all away,
do you ever want to see how it feels to step outside for a while?

You do want to just up and leave suddenly!
Then why don't you ever go?
Will Father scold you?
Or will I? Or all of us?
Or do you keep society's gaze in mind?

Why would we scold you, tell me?
If anyone tries to stop you,
then give them a good scolding instead!
Mother dear, don't stay silent,
don't murder your desires like this.
Go wherever you wish,
if you suffer staying inside,
tell me, what harm could possibly come?

Mother dear, what makes you happy, tell me?
One happiness of yours is like Father's,
one happiness of yours is like mine,
one happiness of yours is like brother's,
or a thousand other happinesses of yours…
all of them are like theirs, like others'!
In this crowd of so many happinesses, which one is yours alone?
Tell me, Mother dear, where has your own happiness gone into hiding?

Mother dear, even if just a little, be one happiness that's only yours,
even a little, stay exactly, completely as yourself!