even as you say the truth
each word gentled,
so as not to hurt what already is tender…
each statement wreathed with “That’s the way it is”
each phrase piqued in soft question
“Of do you understand? This is how it must be…”
each emotion huskily swallowed
and gently urging assent…
I let Silence do my talking.
2012
A shared birthday:
She walks into his embrace, gazing into his eyes. She can’t help but glow.
He sings “Happy Birthday” softly to her.
He asks “Do you want a cake?”
She looks at him: “Hmmm…I want something sweeter…”
They come out of their room,
Happily spent.
She takes out a box of indian sweets
All his favorites she hopes…
She presses the candle softly into a gulab jamun in the middle.
“Let’s celebrate both our birthdays!” he enthuses.
He pulls her into his lap, she puts her arms around him,
They sing to each other in boxers and lingerie.
she sings softly, her lips lightly grazing the side of his head with every word. They kiss before they blow out the candle together.
“What did you wish for?”
“You’re my wish come true” she says laughing gaily.
I wish we could do this ever year…
A much later birthday (hers):
They stand over the stove
Looking at a cake slice in a box.
“Why don’t we sit down?”
“Nah, let’s have the cake?”
He gets forks.
“Aren’t you going to sing for me, it is my birthday..?”
“Really?…uh yeah ok…”
“Happybirthdaytoyou. Happybirthdaytoyoudear…”
He sticks his fork into the cake slice and shoves it in his mouth. He goes for a second, intent on the cake.
“It’s good!”
She stands there looking at him.
She swallows her disappointment… She wishes it wouldn’t feel so intense each time she has to do it….
You would think by now i would know better.
The cake tastes pasty in her mouth.
even as you speak the truth
each word gentled,
so as not to hurt what already is tender…
each statement wreathed with “That’s the way it is”
each phrase piqued in soft question
“Of do you understand? This is how it must be…”
each emotion huskily swallowed
and gently urging assent…
i let Silence do my talking.
intotheindigo 