#love prose

There is nothing romantic about causing you to fall in love

with the beautiful filigree I wrap my trauma in.

— [i.r.]

[06.30.21.]

I breathe you in,

like that will somehow make me a part of you.

Then watch you drift away with every exhale.

- I know you want to stay

- [i.r.] // [05.31.21.]

Whispers in the voices of

strangers began to sound like her.

- [i.r.]

[04.29.21.]

Nothing is made to last forever.

Some of us are profoundly lucky,

and get a lifetime with what we love.

I see the cracks in myself,

I see the cracks in you

as well my darling.

I hope more than anything

we will get a lifetime, you and I.

And maybe that is the closest to forever we need.

- [i.r.]

[07.31.21.]

We’re walking in sync, our hands touching gently where we keep them close to each other’s but not holding them yet. You’re not affected by the cold but I’m shivering, and your honest gaze and soft smile do the job my sweater couldn’t do: keep me warm.

I scruff my shoe at the wrappers that adorn the roads, glance at the walls that are caked black with dust, inhale the air that seems heavy with smoke, and I smile. I think, I’ve never found Delhi as beautiful as I did that day, with you.