To Be Burned, at Last.

By Aarna Gupta

As I slowly sip the tea, ready to embrace the burn,

Surprised, I opened my eyes, it made my stomach churn.

It was warm, not blazing hot like i heard,

I kept waiting and to your cafe, everyday I returned.

Hopefully I returned everyday, to see the steam rise,

But i was met with same warm tea, I was still waiting for my prize.

The sky turned from blue to orange, and flowers from bloom to fall,

And I was still waiting everyday, even when I had to crawl.

I kept waiting, through the rise and fall,

I was still hopeful, with tears and through it all.

Yes, it gave me the warmth, peace and my smile,

But I still wanted to be burned, to end my exile.

I wanted to feel, what others had felt,

That bittersweet burn makes all the worries melt.

I yearned for it, so much that I couldn't walk,

"Do I not deserve the happiness about which they talk?"

With every passing moment, I'm more drawn to you,

And wish the first burn on my lips is by the tea that you brew.

By Aarna Gupta