An Inside Joke Poem by Melanie Walendowsky Baker

(Written at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Lounge)

I feel the stares, and I see the looks.
Do they know?
Can they guess by just looking
at my face,
lined,
weary
and yet
not the least teary?
Can they see
that I'm thinking of you?
That I can smell
you on my clothes,
that your scent
is what is putting
this silly smile
on my face?

Do you think that's what they're seeing?
Can they hear
my heart pounding
when I remember your words,
and the sweetness of you
that brought me back
without promise
or pretense
but gave me hope
that I had abandoned
and thought had abandoned me?

I think they know, you know.
I think they know
you're here with me,
holding my hand,
making me smile,
and making me
me.

(Kuala Lumpur,26 April,2008)