Mother

by Dr. Neria H. Hebbar

(Translated from a Tulu poem written by the late Dr. A.R. Acharya)

Not affording even milk,
Rice water was all I could drink
Yet, mother, your blessings have gratified,
And all my desires are satisfied.

Now I have riches great,
Cars, bungalow, all first-rate.
My lovely children, with envy people see,
But, if you were alive, how lovely this would be.