My Existence

By Nidhi Dwivedi

A belted bed on piers of sandalwood.

You Spread my body like an old scroll

on the table to probe.

On my stomach, I roll,

When I get bumps on my back

From the rough road.

Chisel it away .

Peel my skin smooth with an iron board.

When I get smaller by your side,

I am bound to stay .

I am worn down,

Till I cease to exist one day.

Like the moon in a rabid sky ,

I shapeshift .

But darling! my bits are in air

In your lungs, I exist .

Even if I am smoke and dust

I shall sting in your eyes

And on your hands, I shall rust

Till the night shatters with your cries .

By Nidhi Dwivedi