Trial-Tests Poem by Onaiza Simeen

He tests my love,
My silly little baby!
As Shiva tested -
Uma’s steadfastness.

I gladly take all his tests,
Each new name,
Each new work,
I know it’s him
And none but him
Before any one else can.

Silly boy,
What’s in a poet’s name?
A changed persona?
A twisted diction?
But how can you ever conceal
The veiled soul they all reveal?

Put on masks,
As many as you wish;
Tie my eyes if you like,
But can you stop -
My beating heart
That sees through
Its spiritual counterpart
And silently breathes in
Every gentle breath
That you breathe out
In agony and ecstasy?

You come to me
In the dark nights
As Cupid crept into Psyche’s bed
And I make love to you
With closed eyes
Recognizing your gentle breath.
I don’t need a lamp like her
To stealthily reveal your face;
Your every touch
I know, my love
And in my soul’s mirror
I behold your face.