On the days I feel lonely

It feels like the world is crashing around me.

And I’m trying desperately to seek out the warmth,

Among the masala flavors, in the sweetness.

I was told I did not meet expectations.

I want to shut the world out of the door.

This night I’ll be lonelier, as I try to fall asleep,

Since the shoulder I can rely on is miles away.

When did I start measuring my value,

weighing down others’ expectations?

Life feels like a competition and

Everyone’s darting ahead. while I feel lost.

Every cell in my body want to scream

Maybe curse too, to pacify my anxious mind.

Today I do not have a shoulder to lean on.

And I do not have the ears that can listen.

What I have is my crumbled ego

And the stubborn perseverance, to continue

To go on, despite what comes ahead.

The will to see the sun, rising everyday

And to smile back at the younger me

Whispering “you did well”.