My mother told me
someday I would be,
a doctor.

I didn't want to,
but she told me,
so I listened.

Or at least nodded
and said ameen
when she and my dad
would make dua for me.

They still do, I still do.
Both dua and nodding.

My brother told me,
doctors make moola,
I said sadaqta ya mulla.

But I don't like hard work,
so we'll see what happens;
you can't escape your destiny.

Whatever happens,
I hope I make them proud,
my sister too—both her making
them proud and me making her proud.

Oh, and my babysitter too, Koba.
(dum-dums, together, 'trong)



© Walyullah