“Oh! Yes, you can call me that mother who is guilty,
For the world, who has done something filthy.
Aborting my four-month-old foetus was not easy,
But his brain not developing—hell no, I wasn’t choosy.”
“Yes, I also am a shameless, guilty mother,”
From the last row, in a loud voice, claimed another.
“’Cause I chose to remarry, to give a father to my child post-divorce,
But I was sceptical for his safety—I was possessive, of course.”
“Guilty mother I am,” proclaimed the third mother,
“For people blaming me for choosing career and leaving my baby unheard.
No choice but a single mother, responsible for home and finances single-handedly—
Had to appoint someone in my absence to take care of my baby.”
“Sob story I don’t have any,” the fourth guilty mom pleads,
“No good schools, no good environment for my kids.
Sending them to boarding school at such early age wasn’t easy,
Yet I had to—for their bright future, not to let them be lazy.”
Another voice spoke, “My city had all the amenities,
Facilities for the kids to be cool.
But call me guilty for sending them away
From a toxic family environment—to boarding school.”
“Am I also the guilty mother?” one innocent voice questioned.
“I gave up my child for adoption, for which I am ashamed.
I was assaulted. I’m only thirteen, and the doctor didn’t allow abortion.
Though my parents stood by me, I had to let him be adopted.”
Awkward silence filled the void, deep down the soul bit by bit,
Tears rolled down their eyes, staring at each other, the truth it hit.
It was society’s Mother’s Day celebration, honouring every mom that day—
But as the conversation grew deeper, no words were left to say…
Every mom is termed guilty for one reason or another every day—
Some for scolding her child, some for choosing work over play.
A story every mother could add a new line to,
A guilt she’s herself someday going through.
We mothers don’t need just a day to be celebrated or loved—
We simply need support, and an environment where we’re not judged.
Let it be happy for the mothers every day—
To all the lovely mothers, Happy Guilt-Free Mother’s Day.
By Priyanka Patwari Sitani
Priyanka Patwari Sitani is a practising Chartered Accountant by profession and a writer by heart. She can be contacted at casitani@gmail.com.
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