THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

Laying in the middle

Looking at the two figures

Sleeping with their back faced to each other.

The halves of the golden string

That connected them together once

Are being held by my little bleeding palms.

The question “How can love just disappear?”

Is wrapping its hands around my neck,

Choking me for the answer

I wish I had.

I have tried to tie a knot between them

But it always ends in

Sleepless storms,

Endless tears

And broken love.

Now I’m worn out and hopeless.

So,I'm going to let loose

And leave the absurdity

To the two ends of the string.

But occasionally one expresses their love to the other

Which makes me want to pull the halves

And tie it up by wrapping it

Around my strongest bone

Even if it may break me down

Till I’m dust.