Which colour is yours?
I'm standing in a white suit,
a black bindi, a red tika bright,
the only colour on my forehead
glowing in the falling light.
The sun is hiding behind the trees,
the sky changing shade by shade,
like a painting slowly breathing
in gold and blue it’s made.
But ohh, my eyes are on the kids—
tiny feet that run so free,
white frocks brushing little knees
in wild, sweet harmony.
Yellow, red and blue splashed wide,
on dresses, hands and cheeks,
laughter dancing in the air,
joy in every streak.
Before I can look away,
before I even try,
I feel the hot, salty tears
slipping from my eyes.
Once I was just like them—
this careless, this free.
Ohh, how softly time can move,
yet steal that part of me.
But to miss a time is a blessing,
a proof that it was true.
Which colour is yours, love?
Mine is you.
Much love 💌
~ Naira ✨
Wow, love how you express the colours here. It is almost symbolic that you are wearing the colourless ‘‘white'' kurta, while the children are draped in colours, from head-to-toe. It is almost symbolic of how life for you, has become ‘berang' (colourless).
I like the detail of the red tikka being ‘the only’ colour upon you. Much like the ‘Falling light’ of the Sun.
I liked how you described the environment. The description of the careless joy of the kid- was immaculate. “White frocks brushing little knees.” - loved it!
The realisation, that ‘time is a thief’ hit emotionally. I also liked the silver lining . It reminded me of the quote in Winnie The Pooh - “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
The last line- “What is your fav. colour? Mine is you.”- while individually so perfect, feels a little ofbeat for the theme of the poem. Cause it gives a romantic vibe, while the poem is all about missing one's childhood.
This is my only constructive feedback, for this otherwise immaculate poem. Loved it!!
"Which colour is yours, love? Mine is you." didn't see that coming and then couldn't unsee it. The whole poem led here and I didn't even realise.