My Hidden Roles Poem by Venkateswaran Krishnan Sreenivasan

The nights are dreary with the silence of the tomb
Broken by the noise of a canine bark
I wake up to search for an intruder in the dark
In every nook and corner of our home

Scavenging is a taxing task
All spick and span, none would dare ask
This thankless job when left undone
Raises eyebrows that will kill your fun

To tend every garden plant like a baby
Weed, manure and water, a pleasurable hobby
Brisk walk for a mile brightens my brain
And boosts my body vigor in sun or rain

Digging and planting, cutting and mowing
Climbing and plucking, leveling and sowing
Husking coconuts and at times cooking
Time runs quickly, no worries brooking

As author and poet, I remain unknown
My writings might be read once and thrown
Never did I write for a name or renown
Unsought glory may turn up a drone

Home care of my mother, ninety plus
Shared lovingly by my wife halves the stress
Disturbing thoughts about our own fate
Dampen our spirits to a dreary state

My physician’s job leaves little to hide
But the secrets my patients in me confide
In trust and faith for me to abide
Through my healing mission in storm or tide

This way of life with a loving wife
All roles combined without strife
Bestows peace and contentment rife
And keeps my psyche and body safe



God given breath, god given health
God given strength and god given wealth
Where doth He dwell in stealth?
In every heart, leading, from birth to death