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

The window sill has been my silent companion for long.

So much happened on the window sill.

Playing, dreaming, watching,

I grew up sitting on window sills.

Giggles of Innocence,

Racing hearts,

There was always a feeling bubbling,

On a quaint window sill.

I remember the first bloom of spring and the bird that always came by.

I remember the toy seller in his cycle in my Grandma's town,

He always passed by my window sill, singing a funny song.

I remember the glow of distant lights on a tall spire, from my hostel window,

They always twinkled and took me home, like a lullaby, on angel wings.

I remember my youthful heart, skipping a beat on the window sill.

Ah! I remember all the views and sounds that called me to the window,

And made my mind roam.

I remember the excitement that always bubbled,

On the window sills of my childhood.

Those sweet whispers of my heart, looking o'er the window sills.

Today my window sill is quiet,

As I see the world passing by.

The giggles are silent,

The heartbeat is silent too.

Memories flood like monsoon clouds,

Threatening to burst.

It's just me and the quiet window sill.

We both know too much to speak.