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Open, close

When we're happy, the sun seems to shine
Reflecting the joy in my eyes.
Then, there's a smile on my lips
My face is open, welcoming
I look young, I feel young
I love the wind in my hair
Our child gurgling makes my heart melt
A glimpse of your tall presence
A look from you, and my heart races
All, literally, is well with the world

When we hurl words like missiles
The hurt scores deep
I close up, I want to curl up
No I want to throw the hurt back
And I do. Oh, how well I do it!
I know I'm closed then
My face feels tight, head aches
I look a hundred years old
I don't want to see you
No, I don't care what happens to you.

What is it we do to each other then?
Do I start this? Or is it that infernal other being?
Pride. Ego. Then where is love?
That too takes its time to appear.
And it does, but so agonisingly slowly.

Meanwhile the world is what it always is
It is I and you who change.
It is I and you who open up sometimes
Or close out each other, at others.

Comments

Drifting said…
hey! Quite liked this one :) Meli
12:05 pm, October 23, 2011
Divya Sreedharan said…
Meli, so sorry I never replied to your comment. Thank you. I always find writing very cathartic. And confession time--saw what you said just now, two years later, gosh!
9:41 am, July 11, 2013
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