"I've a tale to share," I whispered to the breeze,
Of how I fell for her, like snow falls from the trees.
Once, in my poem's comments, I stumbled upon her there,
A playful spirit, sweetness in every layer she'd wear.
Her cheeks, a rosy hue, from what I'd seen,
Perhaps it wasn't the cold, but the words on her screen.
When our eyes met, I felt almost seized,
I melted, unable to say more than, "I love what I see," appeased.
I marveled at the heavens above, For how it couldn't be believed,
I sent prayers in poetry above. Into her, it was all weaved.
A seraphic smile, I was smacked with.
The open wounds I was wearing, got stitched.
Over time, We turned each other's hearts into homes,
Apart from "Us", No safer haven we'd known,
Until the day fate knocked at our door.
What's left now, bits and pieces of yesterdays on the floor.
Laughters turned to echoes and footprints of hers.
Didn't know, it would turn out like a gingerbread house,
As if the walls were made of sugar and flour.
Those days sweeter than candies became nights beyond sour.
She used to tell me how someday we'll be putting up the tree,
Till I was left alone which I couldn't foresee.
The way they did before, christmas lights don't seem to glow,
I'm left feeling like a messed up clown, the world watching my show.
Sixteen months we survived, I thought we'd be fine.
Lost in the time of our lives, it seemed our stars aligned.
Fifteenth of October, my world came to a halt.
After months of long distance, that's when my hands felt short.
Without her, this christmas just keeps feeling colder.
Guilt-stricken arms I've, which never got to hold her.
When the world is painted in red and white hues
It hurts when I'm colored in just shades of blue.
Every carol that plays, every merry tune,
Only serves to amplify the empty room.
Yet, amidst the pain and the bitter sorrow,
I'd hold, even if it's just a flicker of hope for tomorrow.

© Karthik Chyawan