Held Between Stars

By Shireen Rashid

I never held your hand, it’s true— 

but tell me did you feel it too?

in every cheer that met your name, 

was there a silence that just knew?

They never saw the way I lit,

each time you simply you looked alive,

you didn’t have to look at me— 

your smile alone could make me thrive.

I kept each glance you never gave, 

tucked in the corners of my mind,

they think the stars are far away— 

There were no names, no claims, no signs,

just shadows cast by what I feel.

you never asked for any of it,

but god, it’s always been so real.

Creased jerseys held like second skin,

your laughter caught in passing air—

the world just watched a rising star,

I memorized the way you care.

They never saw the way I paused,

each time your name lit up the sky.

To them, it’s just the stars again—

to me, it’s where the heavens lie.

And when the noise begins to fade,

when crowds forget the songs they knew,

I’ll still be standing where I was—

a silent echo, loving you.

By Shireen Rashid