There Is A List

By Anushree

There is a list. 

All my shortcomings vile, poisonous 

Enlisted

Analyzed 

Categorized as abusive behaviour 

He wrote the list

The list sat there 

Peering at me amidst 

My face cream and his cologne 

It declared abuse

Encircled

I read 

I read it again 

Fold it back once and twice 

And place it beneath the lining sheet of the drawer 

We part ways 

We start again 

He loves me, he says 

I cry, i smile 

I take out the lining sheet of the drawer 

The list looks at me 

Accusing 

I read it 

I read it again 

I fold it once and twice 

I place a new lining in the drawer 

I place it beneath the lining 

I come back from a trip 

The list lies there 

Between my face creams and my comb 

I look at my mom 

The list has one fold, another fold and another 

I place it beneath the lining of my drawer 

Its the morning after 

He is looking for his watch 

He searches below the lining of the drawer 

He sees the list 

Looks at me once and twice 

He places it beneath the lining of the drawer 

I see it everyday 

Beneath the lining of my drawer 

Read it 

And read it again 

Remember 

I love him 

I smile 

Beneath the lining of the drawer 

By Anushree