A Map Of Tiny Perfect Things

By Chaitra Ramalingegowda

Let me draw you a map of tiny perfect things,

of the wind whipping back my black hair,

of dipping my toes in sun-warmed white sand,

of putting my hand out to catch the last rays of a dying orange sun,

of touching the soft-soft petals of a lilac hydrangea –

of all things tiny

yet perfect.

Let me draw you a map of tiny perfect things,

of a newborn enveloping my finger in her chubby fist,

of a child’s sticky, happy kiss on my cheek,

of mom’s hug after a crappy day,

of dad ruffling my hair and saying ‘chin up’ –

of all things tiny

yet perfect.

Let me draw you a map of tiny perfect things,

of watching dewdrops collect on blades of grass

in the wee hours of the morning,

of sharing a beautiful yet poignant sunset

with a loved one beside me –

of all things tiny

yet perfect.

Let me draw you a map of tiny perfect things,

of holding memories captive within a frame,

of finding that elusive connection with a near-perfect stranger,

of experiencing a perfectly imperfect day, made perfect by the right people,

of being myself, without a façade, in those rare ephemeral moments –

of all things tiny

yet perfect.

Let me draw you a map of tiny perfect things,

that make life a little less lonely,

a little bit more joyful,

a little less lost,

a little bit more hopeful,

and a lot magical.

By Chaitra Ramalingegowda