The Letter by the bed

I’ve seen you smile before,

Your eyes lighting up with joy at

the painting by the bazaar.

I’ve seen you cry too,

tears streaking down your cheeks when

you lost your brother to the war.

I’ve seen anger just as I’ve seen despair,

your contemplation, same as I have

bitter contempt, and its only now that

I realize, how I was falling for you

as I saw you from the sidelines.

Only now as I am, inured to your flaws,

Hypnotized by your charms,

You have never looked as beautiful as you do now.

-Abhijith Prashobhanan