Meditating in the sun

Basking under the tall green shade

Of the overhanging branches of the

Muscular mango tree

The little ‘baby’ monkeys

Cling under the belly of their ‘moms’

Keeping watch as they sit among the branches

There are some naughty ‘kids’

Jumping with glee as they swing on the

Dangling tails of their custodians

Clutching and swaying, giggling too

Like naughty children in the park

On a swing or the seesaw

Up and down they jump…with rapture

Enjoying the patience of their ‘parents’

Who blissfully watch their wards in filial delight?

Keeping a vigilant eye on their activities,

 Reminding me of humans… their kids

The manner in which they dote

Upon their young ones

The life pulsating in the womb

And life outside with them

Creates a precious bond.

Humans, chimpanzees,

Monkeys… our ancestors and their mellow buds,

In fact all ‘children’ whether those of animals

Are so human towards their offspring (s) and

Tender them with care

I gaze upon their human effort to remain tied

Unlike human beings

To the umbilical cord for care and security

                                                                                      ~Shobha Diwakar

                                                                                        Jabalpur, India