Nandita Jiju

I Am From Busy Streets and Wet Grass

by Nandita Jiju

I am from my parents, my cousins, my aunts, my uncles, my grandparents, and my

annoying brother.

I am from savory flavors of sweet, bitter, and salty, all perfectly blended in 32

curries.

I’m from the fragrance of the incense for my grandfather and aunt whom I knew.

I’m from running barefoot along the wet grass and chasing the birds of beauty.

From the busy streets with motorcycles, cars, and vendors selling and yelling.

I am from the lazy mornings, and tired nights,

From the paratha and biryani my dad makes with his own bare hands.

I am from two distant seasons: scorching sun and heavy rain.

I am from the lotus flowers, mango trees, and banana smoothies,

From the cows and chickens which we tend for,

And from the pots and pan clinking, the hollers of kids as they played outside.

I’m from “Be a good role model!”, “Stop Reading!” and “Seriously! Again!”

I am from emotions, read with my eyes, written with my hands, and portrayed

with my feet.