Lit The Quiet

By Vanshika Gupta

I kept the lamp burning-

long after you fell asleep,

a small sun

in the corner,

steady, patient.

It wasn't fear

of the dark-

no, not fear-

just a way

to be seen.

You never asked

why the light stayed on,

why the room

never truly slept.

So I lit the quiet-

hoping it might guide you

back,

back to me.

But light left alone

learns to hum,

and love unanswered

learns to ache.

So I lit the quiet-

hoping it might guide you

back,

back to me.

The lamp stayed-

unlit,

dust thickened

on the shade,

the cord curled

on the floor,

still holding

its shape.

You slept better.

The room stopped listening.

And in the silence,

the dark crept close-

soft, steady,

never leaving,

never asking.

Finally-

at last-

I felt seen.

By Vanshika Gupta