WHAT COULD’VE BEEN

Today, in a bus home, I sat next to a gentle lady

By all signs she has aged gracefully

I watched her swipe through her smart phone

Though slow, her skills were quite spot-on

Once in a while she would glance at me warmly

The glittering glow on her aging eyes was motherly

Throughout the ride, I yearned to hear her mellow voice

But she kept to herself, only radiating a smile in silence

I couldn't help but imagine

That you could’ve possibly been her age

That you could've swiped through your smart phone

Just as she did, slowly but surely

Probably reading a loving whatsapp message

That I could’ve sent you

I couldn't help but imagine

That you could’ve possibly radiated similar warmth

I couldn’t help but imagine

What could’ve been

If death's cold grip could've spared you

A decade ago

Oh dear mama.