The Anatomy of Heartbreak

by Debasish Mishra

While you drove the scooter and I

occupied the pillion, you wore

my helmet and I your smile,

we nearly crashed and I cursed

the speed breaker that you

somehow failed to see.

That wasn't the only thing

to have missed your eyes: the love

that swore at the asphalt

for what was your mistake,

that lapped against your door

night and day like fresh air.

I wasn't as stupid as I made out

to laugh at your silly jokes.

But I don't regret my stupidity.

It had a lovely purpose. It was

love that made me do things

to brighten your face with a smile.

Now as I recall our moments,

tears fall like unwanted words.

I have missed you like milk-teeth.

If you were here though

you’d have missed the sound

of my tears lapping your heart.

---

Debasish Mishra teaches English Literature in Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar, India. His recent poems have appeared in The Penn Review, Prism Review, Consequence, Cottonwood, and elsewhere. His first book Lost in Obscurity and Other Stories (2022) was published by Book Street, India.