बूढ़ी माँ ....

बूढ़ी माँ अकेली रह गई

परिंदों से उड़ चले बच्चे

तिनका-तिनका बना घोंसला

आज खाली बेजान रह गया,

बूढ़ी माँ बरबस देखती रह गई।

हाथों में लिए उम्र की झुर्रियां

होठों पर बस स्नेहाशीष-शब्द

काया कोमल जर्जर दीन-हीन

बस रह गई उसके साथ आज

बूढ़ी माँ मात्र शरीर रह गई।

यादों में जला कर बीते दिन के दीये

करती प्रकाश अपने जीवन में वो

आज में न जन्म लेती कोई नई याद

छिन-सा जाता हर पल, सुख-सा आज

बूढ़ी माँ नीर बहाती रह गई।

जोड़ कर अपने कपकपाते हाथ

ईश्वर से बस एक ही दुआ माँगती-

बच्चों का उम्र-भर सुख ऐश्वर्य

और अपने लिए एक नया धाम मांगती

बूढ़ी माँ अभी से स्वर्गगामिनी हो गई।

***

The new generation, I am not talking about the generation next to me or even the one after that, I am pointing out to the generation of kids to any parents. Yes, this new generation, parent's progeny are often impatient and always in a hurry.  The older generation, the parents are weak and old. The one who taught us how to walk, we don't have time to take a walk with them. We are busy, earning our money, too occupied in our struggles, in our progeny and network, and myriads of innumerous tasks that are unending. But what is ending every moment is the remains of the youth or energy within our old parents. They keep getting older by seconds. We, the new generation too. 

Give a thought, what do they ask? Riches, wealth, car, furniture! No, they just ask for a moment of togetherness with us, they want to smile and laugh with us and only demand attention and respect. The new generation can't even give them this? Is it the upbringing they received? Start this Mother's day with a solemn pledge and a staunch thought to care for the mothers (and fathers) you have neglected, spoken to in high volume and thought them as inexperienced with modern ways of life. They need you, today more than ever!

"At least they are happy", Bibhu Sharma's story!

Image and Video Source: HelpAge India, #WhySupportElders