A Duty Never Ends

Without any experience or knowledge,
I became a counsellor.

My life slowly changed
from a sorrowful mother
to a good listener
and a shoulder to cry on.

With the phone in my hand,
I knew exactly what to expect,
and especially what to say.

They all start by describing their child.
All the nicest things about them come first.

I have learnt that I can never stop a mother
from speaking about the virtues of her child,
or try to persuade her
that one day she will get over it.

I never ask why they feel the need
to tell me that their child was religious,
as if it were Judgment Day.

And who am I to judge anyone?

My sorrow is still there,
but who cares?

I concentrate on the new victim.

Another phone call.

I start my duty once again,
and I know what to say.