Parle G

When you prodded me to try dipping

Parle G’s in the warm glass of milk

and relish the soggy biscuit ,

I realised I was savouring what used to be you years ago.

Your Mother mixed warm milk

in those biscuits and mashed

them together in a cereal bowl

feeding you mush and humble dreams for breakfast.

But you were sharp-

you noticed the girl who gazed from the paper wrapping

– whose hair were short , unlike yours-

which were tightly tied in two side long pigtails

– like life itself.

All of 7,

did you aspire for her wonder or her freedom?

One day you decided to chase both.

Defiance was easy

– it simply meant packing bags,

swearing never to comeback

and slamming the door!

At 17 it all seemed so simple,

you stayed hungry

and brave

and smart

but always broke …despite the scholarship.