Small things

I am like a granddaughter to them,

I visit them sporadically.

I make sure to carry something different,

They are both in their eighties-

Like babies, fond of variety!

Sometimes a different flavour of ice-cream

And other times a different cake like Tiramisu!

They ignore their blood sugar seeing me.

I listen to their fights,

Listen to their ailments

And how they can not tolerate the other…

And I find the love they share 

That's coated within the blames they put,

When they smile at each other-

While listening to the allegations…

And last time I had met her hospitalised,

She could not walk by herself,

I had spent some time with her-

I was told that she will leave the hospital the next day.

And last day only I realised she was there for another month!

Completely bedridden…

I went their home, she was in bed,

He looked frail and his hair was completely silver…

I have seen him only in his dyed black hairs,

I went in, she was lying on the cot,

I could spot the catheter tube connecting the urine bag,

And the opened pack of adult diapers…

She didn't realise my presence.

I sat next to her, touched her arm,

She opened her eyes and looked at me,

Told me her arms pained badly,

Her speech was incomprehensible,

But I just knew that's what she said.

I started massaging her arms…

Later her legs..

In between she was holding me tight,

She asked for water,  wanted her pillow to be kept straight…

And she was sleeping all along,

With a heavy breath…

And once she opened her eyes,

I asked: " you want to have a coffee candy?"

I knew she liked it.

She was afraid of swallowing it…

I elevated her head, and gave the candy…

All through she watched me opening the candy cover…

She was like a small kid.

I put it in her mouth,

I saw tears streaming down…

She was having it as if it was the best

Thing to savour in the world…

My heart wrenched…

She was having it gleefully.

Now her eyes were wide opened.

She smiled, and caressed my arm…

I realised how small things make difference.