Saher Lalani
Toronto, Canada

for Bapu

He is eighty and on dialysis.
Bound to machines and
frequents the hospital.

He gasps while coughing.
All I can do is give him
water and some tissue.

He wipes his mouth, seated
upright, resting in a chair.
Then, silence ensues.

He points to the table.
Remember the Eid feast?

Foodie at heart,
he must crave foods
now not allowed,
his meals restricted.

His special lunch arrives.
He feeds me a spoonful
like the times we ate
papdi-chaat at the bazaar.