I went far, far away from you
I hate even seeing your shadow
You are the one, still…though
For whom, my songs slowly flow
Still
Your winters sadden me
Your griefs burn the heap of glee
Who? … no no…What are you?
An absence presence, a blurring hue?
When the string of a sitar is torn
Tear drops; new sores are born
Couldn’t you be
A sweet numbness in my me?
A numbness that removes all pain
A solid wash with no stain
Anyway…keep smiling, shine through life
All steps be blissful, all efforts mellowing rife
Ah! I am alone,
Lover goes, leaving behind love’s clone,
Living cyclone…
Umme Salma, 2023, Toowong
Salma Seclusion 