You'll Never Know

By Nishka Chaube

You’ll never know the manner in which

 your mother,

Studied the ridges and folds,

Of the soles of your feet,

When you were young.

The way she hummed you to sleep,

Held you close to your chest,

Hearts beating as one.

You’ll never know the way your father picked you up,

Swung you round and round,

Until you ached from laughter

The corners of his eyes smiling, 

And your tiny limbs are flailing.

The way he fed you tenderly,

Wiping crumbs of your lips,

Even with a thousand other duties.

You’ll never know the way the earth,

Wrapped you in a gentle cradle,

Of leaves and lilies,

Your silky hair adorned with ornaments.

Or that time when a butterfly,

Finished sucking nectar from the gardens,

Only to land right on your nose,

And bless it with nature’s gentle kiss.

You’ll never know the person sitting alone in the dark,

Composing magnificent songs,

In your loving memory,

Glorious fire amidst drifting snowflakes.

You’ll never know,

The person secretly in love with you,

Holding the very thought of you,

Deep in the confines of their heart

You’ll never know the way,

Your laughter still,

Echoes through empty halls,

Bouncing here and there.

You’ll never know the way I miss you,

Even after you’ve gone and left me,

And I'll meet you right there,

Where the sky has no limits.

By Nishka Chaube