Curd Rice

There is an empty cabin in my cupboard now

Neatly folded blankets and sheets

There are pillows that I would never use

And two pairs of slippers around

As the emptiness echoes in these rooms

I curl up in a corner

Trying to comfort my shivering body

That deep ache within, that I've never felt before.

I thought I can be prepared

Tell myself a thousand times over that I am strong

And armour me with that little hope and courage

Nothing prepared me for this, and nothing would.

It'll continue to ache, ache until I stop feeling the pain.

Until my senses numb themselves and pain becomes a habit

That dish of leftover curd rice stares at me

It reminds me of your favourite food

Of that painfully delicious meal

And of heartbreaking goodbyes.