The Real World Within ‘US’

By Rashmi Patel

(A story of two sisters in conversation…)

You and I

No! I and you

Ohk! Ohk!

It’s we for you... Let’s begin...

This is a chronicle, filled with two lives nurtured in one dream,

Tinkles in the tiny hearts that thumped with boundless gleam.

One a mother’s shadow, wrapped in the hues of caress,

The other a father’s Angel, hallowed by his noblesse.

So it’s a tale of two beautiful girls -

You and me.

No! It’s a recital of two sisters who treaded on to be-

Singing and dancing,

Learning and growing,

Laughing and clapping

In the crucible of their parents’ towering love, strength and nurture.

A million memories that echo in the mind,

I am bedazzled to recall the ones where we twined.

Ha, ha, ha - pure exaggeration!

Oh, oh, oh! Don’t give me that exasperation!

Let’s roll what every childhood holds -

A box of memories you and I behold.

"Remember when we stole the jam?"

I giggled, thinking of the plan.

We climbed the pantry, reached so high,

And snuck a jar, you and I.

But oh, the mischief we did weave,

With whispers soft, and smiles up our sleeve.

Through the garden's gate, where shadows harden,

We’d sneak out at night, asking for no pardon.

Years flew by with a blink of an eye,

And we grew up, from tender to strong,

Father gave us wings telling go soar high,

But Mother had her worry, and told us beware the evil walleye.

Life became contrast - And our worlds noiseless whispers.

As one dark night, when shadows fell,

I wept, a silent hell.

Baffled by the shock and recall -

“Father’s touch was soft, with love so true,

But these men... their touch, it tore me through.”

My voice became a whisper, broken, frail,

Ah! My heart wept with you my dear sister in my arms,

My anger surmounts and I let your sorrow sail.

You sought deep comfort, sister dear,

My heart was shattered, filled with fear.

A storm within,

How could the world commit such sin?

But YOU held ME my sister dear, firm and tight,

With words that heal

“Your pain is mine, we’ll find the light.

They may have stolen what was pure,

But your spirit, dear, will endure.”

Women are not objects, to break and cast aside,

We are humans, with souls, with pride.

This world must change, its heart and mind,

For every sister, we must unite,

To make a future where love heals the scars,

Where women rise, like radiant stars.

We too can rise above, with strength untold,

And paint the world with hues of gold.

For you and I!

For you and I!

By Rashmi Patel