My mother, 

She worships two Gods, 

Whispering the same prayers to both, 

Hoping one will listen first. 

Yet, I never see her ask for herself. 

Her prayers are for my father— 

To both Gods— 

Even as he demands loyalty 

To his God alone, 

In ways unkind and cruel. 

Still, she prays for his happiness, 

Unaware she also prays 

For her struggles to endure, 

For his joy is built upon them. 

But I, 

I pray to every God I know 

For her happiness. 

For even while she prays for him, 

Every moment of her life 

Is spent praying for mine. 

Even when her Gods stay silent, 

I hope mine will listen. 

Because somewhere, we’re all waiting 

For the happiness we deserve 

To finally dawn upon us. 

Kashish is a poet and writer from India, now living in Ottawa, Canada. She is currently studying Professional Writing at Algonquin College and finds joy in crafting poetry and exploring creative storytelling. When she's not writing, she enjoys savouring a good cup of coffee, discovering hidden corners of her city, or getting lost in the pages of a captivating book.