Stench

Posted on by Reena Saxena

I can’t get rid of the stench
-my fingers hit a rotten layer
while peeling a healthy onion

it’s not easy
to extricate the layer
from others
above and below

they connect with context
overlapping stories
held together with belief
and loyalty
to present a pretty shape

I wish I hadn’t ventured
to peel you layer by layer
in hope of finding a core
a common abode
for our values, beliefs
rest of our life

I can’t get rid of the stench
I can’t think of you
in the same way again
I can’t
I can’t
Let it all come apart
Let umbrellas fly away
Let tears get washed away by rain

Poetics: Peeled Away

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