Unexpected

Like the one-hour drive insults from the airport was not

enough affliction on a soul

After washing, feeding and then putting the baby to sleep,

She knelt down beside the suitcase unpacking and sorting

She went and stood over her like she was some bridge

To the other part of bad and started raining insults afresh

This time with comparisons with house-helps, neighbors

As well as stray dogs was dipped, dripping with hate

For another one hour, on her knees taking in everything

Without raising her head even once, silently she bowed

The seed of self-doubt fell in and took roots without even a drop of water

And the branches and flowers all laughed

No amount of altered thoughts helped

She got on her feet and tried to convince herself how good she was

With the baby and around the house

A small voice laughed in her head and said,

“you are not, if you are, she would not have been on your case or gives you peanuts for appreciation

For what you do. You are what she said you are”

She wanted to cry but no tears came.

She requested to go back home a number of times

Till she gave up because the response was the same

Accompanied by, “who will take care of the baby, I paid your tuition”

She finally left with no regrets

But her self-esteem was crushed beyond repair

She went for a job interview, cried and left when

Talking about herself and why the gaps in her resume

She ran out like a child awoke from a terrible nightmare

A woman held her like it was a life going downhills

“See vehicles girl”

That grip on her hand was everything

Melting rocks and filling holes right till now.