Lying Awake Poem by Manjary Koduvelil

'Who could it be?
At this odd hour! ! '
The clock struck one
I sprang to the door
And saw our maid
Who left us last year.
'Oh My! Why on earth
Is she here? ' I gulped.
Without a word
She flowed into my parlour
Her pale grey gown trailing…
(Why so long?)
She stood there
Her eyes nailed on mine
I saw nothing
In those icy crystal eyes
And she smiled…
Her lips pursed tight
Not showing her teeth
(Thank God)
She said nothing
Nor could I.
I stared dumb.
Pearls of sweat roll down my cheeks.
But she smiled
And looked awesome
On her first visit
From the world beyond.