in my periphery, i watch you weave.
climbing up, over, through, out.
years ago, we sat side by side
and mocked this very dance.
silent was the inevitable truth:
this is what we were built for.

down, under, through, inward,
spinning, searching.
i hate what you have created.

“i am more than base instinct,” you say
“this is what i truly want.” you say.

and a part of me marvels at the shinning spools,
glistening – a part of you made vulnerable,
ready to find the one
who will catch and stick.

but, against my will, my stomach churns
in resentment at this ritual.
up, over, through, out.
if this is what we were built for,
why can’t i move alongside you?

Kulsum Shabbir

Creative Editor