July 25
After loading the sacks of paddy,
Grandfather finally became free at dawn.
He brought the pair of oxen from the cattle shed
And yoked them to the cart.
The morning star had not yet faded
When Dhiru arrived.
It was he who had spent all that time
Loading the sacks onto the cart.
With his meal tied in a cloth,
He was fully prepared.
He stood beside the cart,
Waiting patiently for Grandfather.
Grandfather, too, got ready.
Carrying his bag, walking stick, glasses, towel,
And an umbrella,
He stepped out into the courtyard.
Just then the eldest daughter-in-law came out,
Filled with authority and determination.
She shouted to Dhiru,
“Today this paddy will not be taken.”
“Grandfather has no idea.
He’ll sell it for far too little.
Why should we suffer
Such a huge loss?”
Grandfather had never been accustomed
To hearing such words.
“What new trouble is this?” he wondered.
“And whom should Dhiru obey?”
It is difficult these days
To argue with the people of the new generation.
A debate only invites conflict,
And brings disgrace as well.
Grandfather softly called Dhiru,
“Come here for a moment.
Your hard work has gone in vain.
A new dispute has arisen.”
With a deep sigh, Dhiru replied,
“Times have changed.
Please sit down and rest.
What has happened, has happened.”
“Yes, now my voice
Will no longer matter in this house.
Such blows of time
Will keep coming again and again.”
Inside, the eldest daughter-in-law
Felt proud of her courage.
She believed
She had done exactly the right thing.
Two people sat in two different moods—
One inside, one outside.
The conflict between generations
Was clearly visible within the home.
— Vidya
vidus 
टिप्पणी करे