Chai and Chrysanthemum Mahnoor Rehan My heart leansTowards abominationYou— Earliest ray of sunshineWalking sack of calculated caloriesAbyss, philanthropyI follow the squirrels as they hop from one willow toanotherWhen I leave my world behind just to play a minusculepart in yoursWhite Chrysanthemum disguisedAs a humanBang bangSwish swishThey rip my petals off in bitsEven god loves your companyYou both laugh at my life choices on a Saturday morningover a cup of chaiOh, what a delightful sight am I?A hopeless, humorless watchThe burden of love etched in my palms—Yet the thought of you still keeps me warmAs I sit here in my rocking chairIn the winter of my lifeMy center centers around your centerAnd I—Quietly oblige.

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