Every time

a poem by Hema Rangaswamy

Every time I gaze at you
I lose a vital part of me
Shouting for recognition
Demanding your love in return
a soothing touch,
a feathery glance,
an electrifying smile
Anything except this cold silence
The wall between us
growing high with every step
we pass each other
warily regarding the other’s look
as to who will break the ice
exchanging false smiles
turning swiftly to hide the hurt
the knife of your refusal
twisting deeper with your neglect
this heart lying forsaken
growing desolate day by day.