I have a story to tell

I have a story to tell
I hold a life’s experiences with me

My son reaches out to me
“Ami, mein Ahmed”
“Ami, mein Shaziya”

I hear them but I can’t respond
My heart aches to tell them, let me free
But do they hear my story?

My only friend is a paid nurse
My only companion is this salaried help
My only help is the white uniformed staff

Wandering in the corridors
My only moment in the day
Is when I am out of my room
With my friend, seeing across the horizon of Mumbai

Do I feel cold?
Do I feel warm?
Do I feel happy?
Do I feel sad?

“I have a story to tell”
But, only if you could hear me.