THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
How do you undo it,
the hurt you caused
to the people you love?
I ask myself as I look back
at you still smiling at me
explaining to me that it's okay
when I could see the hurt
in your eyes for a second
before turning to love and kindness
How do you endure it,
the pain and grief
that comes along with living?
The question keeps repeating in my head
But never leaves my lips
As I listen to you patiently
explaining the ups and downs of your life
While I still struggle to not cry
after experiencing just a minor inconvenience
How do you love someone
so unconditionally?
I wonder as I look back at my life
Feeling like I've always loved with a condition,
Wanting to be loved back first
before giving all my love
Or loving the wrong people
When the right ones were there all along
I hope one day I get the courage
to ask you all these questions
And you'll answer me with a smile
and say "Come let's make tea"
And I'll follow you to the kitchen
While you explain all your life lessons
to me once again.