Sorrowful stains of reds and yellows will never be lifted from my fingers

I hope that smell of your love, will forever remain.

Burnt turmeric and jasmine lilies fill the air—

Why did you leave me?

I thought the love we had was stronger than an elephant’s tusk.

I know you had the right to stay, the right to lie, and the right to never love me. 

But you didn’t need to die.

You showed me cooking is the most beautiful thing–

It's gentle, and kind, and it forgives. 

It has everything I will want and ever need. 

The love you gave, is the love I want. 

It was unconditional—something that could heal the broken. 

I don’t want to forget your voice.

I am scared that your laughter was in my imagination

I don’t want to push it away. 

I’ll wait in the kitchen, hoping to heal,

Making your sweets. 

I will wait in the kitchen with my stained fingers.

Waiting, I realized, I never got to say my proper goodbye.

I guess this means my love for you will never die.