The Lantern Knows

By Roshan Tara

At sixteen, I was homeless, shunned by parents who called me disgrace.

Thugs lured me with cash, then drugged my tea for an old man's lust.

I fought, sinking into darkness.

He came-older, kind-his voice pulling me free, breaking chains.

He gave shelter, bread by my cot, eyes warm at dawn.

I loved him, heart a hidden blaze. His wife, his child, sealed my truth.

Nightly, my diary caught my words by lantern's glow. It listened, holding my secret-love, fierce, unspoken.

The lantern guards my heart's fire. I carry it, a man, my love's light burning in silence.

By Roshan Tara