Sister

Sister keeps quiet
through all the hurricanes she passes. 
Cradling me in her arms
Hugging me to her bosom. 

Household chorus
Rugs. Wraps. 
Crockery. Her favorite the blue fish painted bone china cup. 
The swiveling routine
Her potato peel hands 
And the simmering kitchen, her haven. 

The clouds surprise her 
The rains petrify her. 
She loves sunflowers, daisies and lilies. 
She picks up flowers, 
Clutches a sunflower into her wavy hair glowing on her pale face. 
Standing in front of the mirror
and seeking for admiration. 

Sister cleans up
closes the windows
And pulls the curtains by night. 
The world sleeps. 
The cat drinks milk and purrs. 

Sister kisses my cheek goodnight 
and sleeps to her crystal dreams. 

Awaiting another morning. 

-Shreya Sharma