Poetry by Sarala Estruch
Would he be strange to me as I to him, frowning
as he greets me in the language of my father
– Kayo Chingonyi, ‘Kumukanda’
Since my parents did not circle the Guru Granth Sahib
as holy men sing songs of union with God, did not
receive semolina sweets or the blessings of my father’s
relatives, I do not know how to drape a sari or make tea
the Indian way; I speak English and French but no Punjabi
or Hindi, forever confusing my Chachas with my Chachis
and hoping for understanding when I switch to Uncle
and Auntie instead. And when, at my uncle and aunt’s
engagement, I stand beside my uncle – acting in my father’s
place as keeper of rings – I bless this engagement, bless
this new beginning, knowing love carries more weight
than the human tongue.
Chacha – father’s younger brother (Punjabi)
Chachi – father’s younger brother’s wife (Punjabi)