Letter

It's a bright new day.
I haven't slept all night long,
And my whole body aches to sleep.
But I cannot do so.

My eyelids feel heavy,
But I cannot close them.
Something's keeping me awake,
But I know not what it is.
I drag myself out of bed,
Searching for clues around the house.
I search all day long,
But nothing triggers a mental reaction.

Then the doorbell rings-
It's a postman holding a letter for me.
It's a letter from him.
I take the letter and rip it open,
Eager to read his familiar handwriting.

He talks of his life at the border,
The flurry of activities, the constant threat of war.
He says he has made many friends,
Friends who would die for each other.
Then he tells me not to worry about him,
Because he's not letting me go anytime soon.
He tells me again how much he loves me,
How much he misses me.
He ends his letter with the words,
"Don't worry, love. I'm coming home soon."

I read the letter about a hundred times in my bed,
Running my fingers over the words,
Memorizing them.
Then, smiling, I fall into a peaceful sleep.

-Rhea. B

15.11.07

Memories

Remember the time when you ruined my hairdo,

And got shouted at by my mother?

You had to take a comb and fix my hair,

Just as it was before.

You had no idea what you had to do,

But still you attempted your best.

And even though I ended up looking like a poodle,

I appreciated your effort.

Remember the times you teamed up with my brother,

And teased me till I would cry?

I would bawl till someone came to attend to me,

And then shout at both of you.

Achieving that, my tears would mysteriously dry up,

And a smile would light my face.

Now even though the teasing, crying and complaining

Are old and forgotten habits,

Their memories continue to live in my mind,

Like faded photographs in an album.

I look at them when I’m bored,

I look at them when I’m depressed,

And I look at them now,

As I write you this poem.

-Rhea. B

08.11.07

(On my cousin bro’s birthday)