life and death

death scares me

as does life

but

it would be a lot easier

with you by my side

It is not about feminism

you raise your voice

you disrespect me

you lose me

because

it is not about feminism

but it is all about

self respect

marital discord

Sleeping in separate rooms

The whirring of the air conditioner

Keeps me company

beautiful no more

all my life

I tried

to be beautiful

and then

age grounded me

her avatar

a simple metal pendant

faded red lips

sun tanned skin

old sari

chipped nails

discoloured nail paint

threadbare shawl

but those eyes

looking around

for someone

who would

like her

in that avatar

lullaby

those sleepless nights

twisting and turning

in bed

ghosts of the past

giving me company

and me

waiting

for 

the  angels

to sing 

me a lullaby 

time

it just slips away

the time

we have

on our hands

so

lets promise

ourselves today

to

make each moment

worthwhile

the child

I saw

childhood

begging on the streets

running nose

torn clothes

those tender feet

blistered

disheveled hair

I looked

for a sign

of hope

and there it was

in his eyes

the child in him

was speaking to me

daddy’s little girl…

Hold my hand
Lest I fall
Walk with me
Lest I stall

Care for me
Lest I rot
Lead the way
Forget me not

Hold me close
Lest I cry
Wipe my tears
Wipe them dry

This all I had wished for
But you went away
I miss you daddy
Wish you had stayed.

incapable of love

why

my love for you

waned

was it

just a phase

or

I am incapable

of love