Happy Birthday Roohi

Oh! How I recall
My nightly walks
to my parents room
waking them up
at 12.00 in the night
asking them to wish me
Happy birthday.


It was a ritual
followed for twenty five years
until I got married
and moved out of that life.

Its that time of year again
and the clock is ticking
telling me that I am
just an year older.

And I recall
my nightly walks
no longer possible
no longer waking them
asking them to wish me again.

Happy Birthday Roohi!