Mother and child

From my garden at the foothills of Namunukula
I watch morning sun rays penetrating ascending mist
At a distance on a winding road on lush green tea estate
A mother walks with her little daughter hand in hand.

Dressed in her working attire to pluck tea leaves
Mother carries a long stick in her free hand to assist her task
Smiling little daughter in her best white uniform
Eagerly heading to small estate school below.

Despite their economic hardships and prevailing atrocious weather
They continue unhindered their cheerful banter
Cherishing bonds of humanity in breathtaking surroundings
I pray that smiling daughter will not follow her mother’s footsteps.

By Captain (Retd.) Ranjith Wettewa S.L.N., R.S.P.