Your crinkled, scrawny hands
rolled up
thin grey hair
covered in coconut oil
into a bun
fixed with a hairpiece two shades
darker than your natural hair
with the ease of a gesture
that has been repeated
a thousand times.
You would powder your face
with white talcum powder
uselessly settling into your wrinkles
and gaudy nose rings
powdering
out of habit
more than vanity
You would inspect this old face
your beautiful face
in a worn, round mirror
crossed legged on the floor
wearing a faded, dusty sari
awkwardly hanging from your
emaciated frame
You would get up.
Like a bird rearing for flight
your eyes were vacant
your smile was warm
your balance was unsteady
but your intention was unwavering
I didn't understand you.
You didn't understand me.
Each of us could only form
vague hints
of the other's natural tongue
There was confusion,
frustration and
an unbridgeable rift
of two people from different worlds
But there was Love between us,
Incorruptible