by M.Mohankumar
It happened when we were still
in the seventh heaven, the two of us,
refusing to come down to the earth.
How could mere inoffensive chaffing
take the turn it did? How is it that you
lost your usual cool and walked off
in a huff, leaving your young bride aghast?
Perhaps I should’ve reined myself in, but
I didn’t know the male ego is so easily hurt.
All through the afternoon, it rained,
making my heavy heart heavier still.
As the evening darkened into night,
all the lights went out. I lit a candle,
and sat by it, brooding. Then, I heard
a knock on the door, and ran down
the stairs, thinking that it must be you.
And I felt a rush of tenderness for you.
I wanted to kiss you smack on your lips.
As I opened the door, a gust of wind
blew out the candle. The rain had thinned
to a drizzle. I stood in the dark, listening
for your voice. A flash of lightning revealed
your absence. I’m waiting for your knock.
The candle has almost burnt itself out.
