your absence wreaks havoc

by Wardah Javaid

your absence wreaks havoc

Nestled deep in my heart

In a tiny corner

Next to forgotten feelings

And dulled emotions

You beat

With the ferocity

Of rushing waves

Down a waterfall

of magnificence

You beat

Lovingly and madly

Gently and ardently

Never dying, never pausing,

You sit in that corner

Cobwebs surrounded

and door half shut

But never quite all the way.

The truth keeps the gate unlocked

To that corner of my heart.

Love makes you weak

Love pushes you

into a drunken stupor

And you were there supporting me

Through biting words

and violent fights

Through sadness and pain

Through happiness but never in vain

And I do

Love you

More than ever

Every day minute and second

Weeks in your absence

Swallowed down like bitter gourd

And that is why you take up

Not one

But all 

    The corners of my tiny, shrivelled heart.

photograph by Miraal Habib

Fatima Jafar