by Sumayyah Malik

I’m jet-lagged from a long journey of a haunted house
Flashbacking a once picture-perfect childhood;
Summery days shadowed with storytelling of Nano
Hugging me back to sleep,
Wintery sunlight savoured with butter-smeared Roti and Saag,
Relishing my cravings back to rest,
While hugging Baray Abbo’s leg as a homecoming ritual,
I’m two-pony headed again.
I’m four again.
I’m nostalgic from a never-ending love story of possession
Replaying a once struck cassette of memories;
A Hukkah grumbles in Dada’s mouth
Spreading smoke of peace,
A green Chutney by Dadi smolders my taste buds
Craving for more,
While playing a game of hide and seek with windy breezes of village,
I’m two-pony headed again.
I’m four again.

I’m formed of immeasurable depths of unconditional love
Two stars shine together on my sky
Talking to me at nights,
Two flowers bloom hand-in-hand in my garden
Still refreshing my air,
Relieving a sticky adhered lump of my throat
Wiping every single i-miss-you tear off my cheeks,
I’m two pony-headed again.
I’m four again.

Memory Lane