The Masked Narcissist

By Samriddhi Gogoi

As I began to draft your eulogy,

Somehow, my memory started playing games,

And words failed me.

Funny how I had it memorized- your map of moles,

But drew a blank when I tried to recall your favourite quote.

I thought I knew you alright,

But when broken down-

Your body- Oh, so well!

Your soul- not so much.

Thus, the writer in me was infuriated,

But the lover in me- devastated.

Dozens of crumpled papers in the corner mocked me,

As the weary quill slogged on.

But the only thing I'd managed so far was-

"Yes, I knew her. She was my muse."

Finally, as the ink had dried and the blots of my tears were long gone,

"You deserved better."

The narcissist in me not allowing it to be more than a whisper.

"But for now, rest in peace, mi amor."

As I signed- "Her lover", italicized and bold.

By Samriddhi Gogoi