(A poem for Coomi Munshi born April 10, 1910. Coomi is my grandmother’s first name; Mahrukh is my mother’s first name and Shroff is my father’s last name. When I was eight years old, having learned how I came into the world, it seemed sensible for my name to reflect as many of the wonderful people who raised me so I changed it to do just that!)
My Granny (now 100) and I play a fun game
Twinkling eyes dancing hands
Giving receiving love for love
Granny: "Tu maari kaléji chhè!”
I am her liver, inside her, a vital organ
Me: "Tu maaru bhéjoo chhè!”
She is my brain, whispering wisdoms
Granny: "Tu maaru dil chhè!”
I am her heart, beating life into her being
Granny and me, back and forth,
Until all the vital organs have been named:
"Tu maari jaan chhè!”
You are my life, the breath that makes me who I am,
A vibrant song reverberating deep in my soul.
Dr FARAH MAHRUKH COOMI SHROFF
fms@ece.ubc.ca