flame

never thought I would dream again
though now things have changed
your presence today feels different
unlike yesterday
there certainly was static
and ensuing sparks
whenever paths, ours did cross
even for a few moments.
and I cradled my thoughts
in groundless fears
kept myself insulated
from a feeling so natural and deep

in the dungeons dark
where life has me placed
I seek sunshine
and colours that were dead
the desire has now started to burn
not fiercely
but in a steady flame
and along with it
a throbbing ache,
to seek your smile
candid and naive
to watch you laugh
and hear wind chimes dance
and to listen to your words
as they escape
the graceful tango of your lips

everything about you affects
even your absence
and slowly an impatient longing
to reach out
and connect
swamps each heartbeat,
and every breath

overwhelmed, I imagine a place
far away, at the world’s end
where we could sit and speak for long
in the language of silence

and feed for eternity
our fires
that will soothe and warm
and act as salve
to the wounds inflicted
on our hearts
by a world that’s harsh and crude
©️ShashikantDudhgaonkar