You were caught up in the realities,
While I was in a different world.
It wasn’t magical, where once I belonged;
Your presence was something for which I longed.

As understanding as I should be,
I understand you were busy.
But I still don’t know why—
It makes me sadder than I like to be.

In the place where final decisions are made sometimes,
Where the background plays beep-beep machinery rhymes,
Like a fool, I imagined the things I would’ve done from my side.
Stopping the comparison now, but I would’ve visited if you cried.

The people who live so, so far
Were much closer than you were.
They read, they asked; the support they still show—
They knew what I wanted you to know.

Things saved for later, since you had no time.
Busy-busy you, ignoring my every rhyme.
You didn’t say, but how clearly your every action shows—
I know that you don’t wanna know.

And I know you’re not reading this—
That’s something you almost never do.
Still, I’ll write it here again:
You weren’t there when I needed you.

Writing a poem, since I can’t forget even after I tried.
Stopping the expectations now, but I would’ve visited if you cried.

-Aditi Hayaran (Larkspur)