There You Are

I was lying in bed wondering why I was so bothered.

Last night I was saddened by you cancelling our meeting.
I thought it was the last time to see you, and on my birthday,
why would you cancel it?

Secretly I felt sad. Even though it was my birthday,
and I was never lacking in celebration,
I just want to see you before I board that plane
that will take me away for six weeks.

I wanted to see you for the last time. Even if it was just a glance.
I just want to see you.

Lying in bed, alone in my boarding house, I prayed to God he would grant my wish.

But it was late, and the dinner was exclusive.
I heard your voice in the background in my call.
And I was embittered by the fact that you were there but didn't see me.

But I was given no time. It was 10 PM. Few more hours and my birthday will be over
And I have to deal with the fact that I won't see you again.

Until I unhurriedly came down the stairs. And to my surprise, a birthday song.

You were there, in your striped sweater looking at me.
I couldn't see your face, but your presence was enough.

What. an answered prayer.

And you handed me the gift you so planned to give me.
It was the best thing anyone could have given me ever.

All I ever wanted was to see you.
But there you are holding up something for me,
learning how you instructed people, printed the photos, made the effort
to surprise me.

It was the sweetest thing.

Oh how we parted ways.
I didn't touch your hand
because I can't even look into your eyes.

But right there,
even before you stood at my door holding up a birthday gift and a song,
right there on my bed, as I silently whispered a prayer

I knew I had my answer.

One that I have denied for so long.

I
like you