The Parting

The leaves are fallen. I am sitting alone, waiting for her. The night sky is visible through the branches and the moon burns in one triangle. A few leaves hanging in air are stuck to the moon. No sound but the crunching of leaves. She is here.

autumn moon
leaves clinging
to her anklet

Henna in her hands. She is being married to someone else. The air is cool on my face and she cannot see my eyes. I have never kissed her before. She would not let me. Even today.

I will take my leave from the girls' hostel. The door is creaky with rust. As I close the barred gate, she ties her hair. Shows me her new perfume.

autumn moon
she touches the musk
behind her ears