Purple

Mom lights a candle

A diya, a lamp

I have to choose

Red or blue

Voices of reason

Larger, louder

Than songs of dreams

Red or blue

Mom wraps a sari

Trimmed elegantly

In a way I never could

I have to choose

Weight of expectation

Rigors, standards

Dimmed colors fade gray

Red or blue

Mom never forces

Nor urges nor prods

Simply sheds her light

I have to choose

Daydreams of fire

Kindled, fanned

By passion and anger

Red or blue

Mom stands by the door

Tears in her eyes

Of joy or longing

I have to choose

Flickering flame

Stands still in the breeze

Do I have to choose?

Red or blue