Late afternoon in Silvassa, I was buying burfi at the bakery
Lost in my craving for that sweet confession
When the owner stopped mid-transaction
Muttered something soft and gathered treats in his hands
I followed his gaze to the doorway
Where a cow and her calf stood waiting
Patient as stone, knowing what they’re owed
And without a word, I joined him
We served them their goodnight treats
Joking about sweet dreams
“See you tomorrow, beautiful one”
And I looked up and down that dusty street
Every shop had a cow stationed outside
Waiting with serene stubbornness
This became my evening prayer
My teacher said, “Look into a cow’s eyes”
What you see there, imitate that
Serene acceptance, generous presence
Taking only what you need, giving what you can
Wisdom older than written language
Waiting in those patient brown eyes
Behind those lowered lashes
They don’t demand reverence
They simply live it
He told me “Observe, relate”
So I watched them move through the world
Gentle creatures, non-aggressive
Taking from the land only what’s needed for today
No hoarding, no excess, no anxiety about tomorrow
Tomorrow will take care of itself
They give milk, becomes a thousand nourishments
They feed their young, protect, teach by example
And even when they die, they give
Now I understand the beauty
Of a cow resting in the middle of Delhi traffic
Life flows around her like water around stones
Horns and voices and chaos and commerce
But nobody chases her away
A daily reminder woven into urban fabric
That kindness isn’t optional
It’s essential
Final
My teacher said, “Look into a cow’s eyes”
What you see there, imitate that
Gentle dignity in a dusty world
Standing your ground when it matters
Wisdom older than written language
Waiting in those patient brown eyes
Behind those lowered lashes
They don’t demand reverence
They simply live it
They simply live it
Even now when I remember
I can taste the dust
Hear the children playing
A cow calling her calf
Feel her soft lips
Taking a treat from my open hand
So gently
So gently
“Look into a cow’s eyes
What you see there
Imitate that”
What you see there
What you see there
Imitate that