On a usual Sunday,
Dad sits alone in front of the television.
The loud noise of which,
douses mom's voice, making her
repeat her question for the third time.
Little does she know, that the noise
douses the voices in his head as well.
On a usual outing,
as Dad starts chatting with a stranger,
as if they were old chums,
mom shakes her head in exasperation.
Little does she know, that extroversion
is just a mask, which hides his real self.
In a usual gathering,
Dad starts debating on a recent event,
Which has little to do with him.
I always thought him to be eloquent.
Little did I know, that that is the only way,
he evades talking about himself.
On a usual day, Dad says that
he will go to the market with us,
even if it means taking a leave from office.
Mom gets a little frustrated at his clinginess.
Little does she know, that he feels all alone,
and is afraid to lose us too.
On a usual evening,
Dad tries, but can't call his own mom.
He wants her affection as his brother gets,
Only to be blamed on each call,
for the things he didn't do.
Little does he know, that I've seen him
on those days, holding his tears,
and cracking his old jokes.
On usual days, Dad stays at home.
When prodded to go out,
He says, he has nowhere to go.
So he sits and scrolls through his phone,
Little does he know, that even today,
He is searching for a warm home.