why cannot I run with you?

by Shruti   Mar 12, 2022


last monday I read a story about a girl running away
and all night I worried about you taking off without telling me.

our coconut tree is turning twenty-one this year, and you are too.
I had a few things planned but now I am not very sure.
sleep has left me and I can only think about the day when
you would be convinced to let me be there for you.

we do not fight like your parents did,
and you say that is what makes you stay
but I know we will eventually do too,
from then on how will I live without you?

the berries are ripe again and my gardenias are in full bloom
but you still talk about leaving like you were never born in this place.
like you grew up here only to run away
I know our hometown has ruined us, but what about me?

please…
do not say I am your home and then talk about going away

©Sharodi H
12/03/2022

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Latest Comments

  • 2 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Those last few lines broke me! The longing in this piece, the questions you ask, the earnestness in your words... I feel it so strongly. I love the visuals - the impact of the coconut tree, the berries and gardenias, the nostalgia of remembering where you were born and having that in common... yet having to process the notion of them leaving. The acknowledgement of the pain in your hometown, of it ruining you, and not wanting to be left behind almost. You really have a way with expressing such depth in your emotions. Especially in the line about not fighting like their parents did, and that being what makes them stay.

    Always enjoy reading what you post on here!

    • 2 years ago

      by Shruti

      Thank you so much! ^^

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