Four generations
of women sitting in the
kitchen
the smells of cumin,
mustard seeds, onions,
turmeric, and saffron
simmer in the background
the cosy feeling of
warmth rises from
the hot cups of tea
before them
they are talking about
how it used to be
how it was, and
what would happen?
In my day says
one woman in Kuchi
when we were young
says one woman in Gujarati
my daughter doesn’t
understand, says one
woman in Urdu
I do understand says
the woman in English
blends of spices and scents
flavours in the air mix
with ages of conversation
poetic almost,
memorable moments,
forgotten times,
thoughtful comments,
hopeful futures.
~ from Aurat Durbar, Writings by Women of South Asian Origin,
edited by Fauzia Rafiq (Second Story Press, 1995)
