THE BURDEN.

She cried for joy,
my mother.
I was no burden, a bundle of joy,
perched on her shoulder.


He cried in ecstasy,
my love,
I was a burden, but a bundle of joy,
leaning on his shoulder.


They cried in sorrow,
my kith and kin.
I was but a burden, no bundle of joy,
sleeping on their shoulders.



(Sushila Subramanyam.)