Learnings "Post" Retrieving You

By Aarti Kukreja

We all have that one person

The person who lives in the shadows for the world

No one knows about your ties with them

Except secret rendezvous spotters

But when you furtively meet them each Sunday

And maybe Tuesday

They ask you how much you smiled all week

What revelations you had

Why you lay in bed last night watching a movie

And which one was it

Because over the years they know you all too well

They'll get you the meager stuff; the one that matters

The marshmallows with chocolate coverings

And the balloons on the nonchalant of days

Not forgetting the bubbles that make you glisten

But it’s when they hear the "h" of your "hello" at 2:40am

They know instantly what it’s about

And they ask the only question

That's been on your mind

They will probably stay awake all night

Pegging your theories while admitting

They don't have the answers to everything

Even when your claims are about losing contact

They will possessively let you know

About the bigger messes you will get into

And that people like me don't sweat the small stuff

It's funny that the confidence you depict of me is

Far from the generosity you show toward any praise for me

I know better, I know

It's futile to argue with you especially when I know you are right

I just want to be a little silly if only just for tonight

OK OK I'll let you do what you want to do he says

Even if it means never hearing from any part of me again

And he fears in that moment that I could be rather deliberate

Even takes the risky oath never to prescribe me anymore

But instead says,

He says he loves me beyond electricity

If it’s possible.

He ensures I wipe off those momentary imbecile dabs

And circumspectly go back to my personal party

My long and apprized phenomenon; my slumber.

He crosses his fingers and says a little prayer for me before he sleeps

And some part of him knows I'll dial 911 again the next day

Because he is my 911; today and the forever of this life.

By Aarti Kukreja