The Light Within

Today I needed a gentle hug,
I needed to bask in some warm sunshine.
Outside was dark and bleak and sad,
So, I looked into this heart of mine.

But it was just as dark in there,
And cracked, and bruised and broken.
But through it all I caught a glance,
Of all the memories I had stored within.

I turned out all my pockets,
And found some loose change of glee,
Of fun I had in frugal days,
Of cups of chai and spicy maggi!

Tiny silver anklets on tiny feet,
With tiny bells that jingled for hours,
As tiny, unsure, wobbly steps,
Marched determinedly towards the stars.

My history book recorded silly pantomimes
Of students trying to remember human misdeeds.
Of kings and queens and questionable choices,
And riding to war on noble steed.

A half-crushed cigarette and an empty lighter,
Tucked into the corner of the school bag.
Spoke of hushed conspiracies and stolen puffs,
While avoiding my parents (and the neighbourhood nag!).

Hiding deep down behind the cushions of the couch,
I discovered some crumbs of delicious gossip.
Of pyjama parties and girls’ night out,
And wine, tequila, and chips and dips.

Some dried flowers in a Valentine’s card,
Brought back the fragrance of a forgotten romance.
Of the glow of my first true love,
Of an innocent promise and a moonlit dance.

A crumpled envelope with torn edges,
Carried news from over the seas.
A missive of friendship in paper and ink,
Of conversations and confidences exchanged with ease.

A broken earring of vintage silver,
Glowed with the pride of my first pay.
My own money, my independence,
That no one could take away.

A medal, tarnished with age, cheered on
A girl who danced to the tune of her heart,
The entire world was her stage
And with a smile, she played her part.

I wonder why I searched without
When there was so much light within,
Gathered over the course of my life
With each milestone, each achievement, each win.

Today, I became sunshine
Shining bright for all to see,
And should you need some warmth in your life
Maybe you can borrow from me?