I had a heavy hurt, you never said!
If you’d told me earlier, I would have been glad!
I could have smiled, I could have danced
I could have been a dervish, livid and tranced.
I could have opened my heart and let it thaw
In telling all the untold tales, in one go
Like the ice that melts in the sun
Like the rivers that run and turn.
But I know you, honey, more than I
Realise how tough and tricky to get by
Those taunts, those scorns that shower
Those questions killing manly powers
You can brace me whenever you desire
But prickly bouts you can’t transpire
Like the boat that leans on the port
Like the cloud that discos in rapport.
Yeah, I know you, love, more than me
No…no…I am not a super angry bee
I hide the grief that I always have
Realign them, hitting the sulking tab.
I never list them, feeling betrayed
Only deep sighs sliced my vocab
Like yesterdays that never ever return
Like Hasnahena, never bathes in the sun.
Umme Salma, Toowong, 2025
Salma Seclusion 