A Winter Love

By Shambhavi Kulkarni

They say autumn is where you find love,

the everlasting kind,

the once you have it, you'd do anything to keep it-kind

the kind that aches because you know it's real

but I found my love in the midst of Winter

tip-toeing on street edges back home,

denying the butterflies that went berserk

as we stood watching the cars, alone

I found my love in the deadly frost of winter

amidst songs that felt like a nearby bonfire,

conversations that flowed like mulled wine and cinnamon,

subtle glances that caught every bit of my attention

I found my love in the simple calmness of Winter

through giggles that resonated every time she cracked a joke,

the pinkish-hue on my cheeks that left my mouth aching and sore

autumn might be the month many others find their one,

but for me it'll remain the month spent huddled within my blanket,

gulping down bowls of mushroom soup,

getting through each day with witty banter and comforting words,

and I'll admit although winter's ghastly,

it's a month I'll always hold close.

By Shambhavi Kulkarni