Let This Bird Breathe Poem by Bidisha Sharaf

This breathlessness in me wants to know
Where I left you.
A continuity of staying away
May not stop you but me.

Killing a bird will not work anymore
Because my heart is softer and fragile than this.
What about the broken sleep that is not
Able to call you up.

Don't forget your deep sleep is for me,
And who is responsible for this broken sleep?
How can I stop myself for letting you
Go with your animal like half shaved chick?
Your heart is selfish and you? too…

The doors are locked and I cannot breathe.
Who is going to get the new key?
This time, No, not me.