I had a heavy hurt, you never got!
Had you got it, it would’ve been a big shot!
I could’ve smiled, I could’ve danced
A dervish in sight, livid and tranced.
I could’ve warmed words and let them thaw
In telling all the untold tales, in one go
Like the ice that slow-melts in the sun
Like the rivers that run fast and turn.
But I know you, honey, more than I
Realise how tough and tricky to get by
Those side taunts, that scorn that showers
Bitter feelings…slaughters manly powers
You can brace me whenever you desire
Alas! prickly prisms you can’t transpire
Like the boat that searches for the port
Like the cloud that discos in rapport.
Oh, how I know you more than me!
No…no…leave it…not an angry bee
Hold and hide griefs…your gifts fab
Reline them with the life’s sulking tab
Never ever count them, never ever nab
Only some deep sighs batter my vocab
Like yesteryears that never ever return
Like Hasnahena–never meets the sun.
Umme Salma, Toowong, 2025
Salma Seclusion 