Before the School Bus Comes
************** The first light whispers softly in saffron morning hue. Across my quiet window spreads a gentle waking dawn. In many Indian homes a story begins like this- A mother’s patient love awakening the day. * Before the rising sun I wake with sleepy eyes. Like countless mothers starting quiet morning chores. The house still rests beneath the pale and waking sky, While quiet hands prepare the rhythm of the day. * “Betta, wake up now, the morning sun has come,” I call. My daughter slowly rises from her drifting dreams. She smiles softly, still wrapped inside her dream-world. While pale gold light slips softly through the window bars. * Her uniform waits pressed with ribbons ready to tie. Two patient braids fall gently down her shoulders now. Sleepy laughter slowly fills the quiet morning room. Morning sunlight warms the silent walls of home. * The scent of cardamom slowly fills the warm air. The kitchen wakes with spices ground by careful hands. A steamed banana waits beside...