No Plucking

Mummy says no plucking

on Sundays,

When Tulsi leaves

back for her mayka

For routine mending

Looking down

At our weekend chai

Disappointed

At the pruning allowed

In sasuraals on other working days

For even holy basil

Tea boils

I used to not follow this advice

And now I don’t have a home

Calling me back

Routinely

You must be better

She says

To keep coming back

On Sundays