Changing Expressions

I see the portrait of a woman,

Hung on the wall of my room.

I tell her-I helped somebody today

And she, to my surprise, smiles.

I see the portrait of the woman,

Hung on the wall of my room.

I tell her-I was mean today

And she, unsurprisingly, puts forth an angry face.

I see the portrait of the woman,

Hung on the wall of my room.

I gaze and I tell her how pretty is she.

She blushes like a strawberry.

The portrait hung on the wall

Of my room gazes at me-

Every day. It doesn’t tell me anything.

Unless I stop by to share my account.

I see the portrait of the woman,

Hung on the wall of my room.

She tells me she is not comfortable.

I don’t react. I have no time. She is just an image.

I see the portrait of the woman,

Hung on the wall of my room.

I tell her-I am really happy today.

I tell her again-I am happy today.

Ashima Madan

24^th September 2008