Taking afternoon tea, together

as usual, while shadows lengthen,

there’s an elephant in the room

.

We don’t say much, stir sugar,

crunch biscuits, comment on weather,

some things are too bulky to say

.

With grey shadow on my heart, I argue

an obsolete rule, laugh a failed excuse,

you’re excited, I bite my tongue

.

In years leading up to this dusk, I’ve pain-

stakingly taught you how not to need me,

now I must learn not to need you

.

Sigh silently as you rise to go, taking

 comfort in cold remains of tea,

the confident step of your departure

.

.

Dhaka 2013