what can a flickering candle say
to a blazing sun?

a finger lingers on my lips
carefully touching pulsing heat
I wonder how this love will taste

I don’t rely on anything for my happiness
That is of my own

I once made the mistake of wishing
“Want” is to be disowned

I can wait, so take your time
I want to hear you unwind

Slowly tell me everything
Just know that I’m listening

Nothing you bring is a burden
I’ll sit and wait when you open

You laugh,
but I’m the one left breathless.

‪Na aarzoo, na chahat‬
‪Labon pe hansi laani parti hai‬
‪Na qadar, na ishq‬
‪Dil ko band karna parta hai‬

The curse of mortality:
handing everything over day by day

There’s some sunshine left on the grass.
I pocket it, and hope it lasts.

When you make a mistake and understand why,
you learn and glow.
When you welcome the lessons this brings,
you blossom and grow.

Where do I pour this love?

It haunts me when I lay in bed,
begging to be whispered and held;
Sweet nothings? No— everythings instead

“Give me to him,
as he wants it,
needs it,
craves
it”

Who? Where? I reply,
before turning to my side.
I pour inward, and keep it aside.

Years go by,
                     drop by drop.
This will do, I decide.
                              drop by drop.
I’m no longer dried.
                                  drop by drop.
Overflowing; that’s no surprise.
                                           drop by drop.

Where else do I pour this love?