Mother Mary

I am Hindu by birth,

I have never

felt pride or shame

over it,

for it’s just,

what I was born into,

and I respect

other religions too.

Some years back,

near my apartment,

stood an old church,

which was a serenity hub,

my happy place.

At least twice a week,

I visited the church,

spent time near

Mother Mary’s grotto,

surrounded by greenery,

it was peaceful.

Sometimes I saw,

stale flowers,

on her folded palms.

I didn’t need permission,

from anybody,

I discarded the wilted flowers

and lovingly made

a fresh bouquet

with Cape honeysuckle,

African daisy, and aloe,

picked from the church garden.

I placed it,

on her folded palms,

and serenity flooded,

my being.

I nodded

when I saw the priest,

and hung around

when they sang,

chorus hymns.

I took pictures of tourists,

helping them create memories.

And in this process,

my self-respect soared.

Tolerance towards others

only raises own stature.

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