My Long Lost Friend

We met after 12 long years
and we took a picture together,
We look so identical, I thought, although not sisters, we’re so much like each other
Her eyes had the same shine as mine, even the under-eye wrinkles had the same number of folds when we smiled .
The smile was identical too,
Each reaching the centre of our Cheek and touching our hearts.
We held hands, they were shaking so,
yet we held them to feel alive and to hold up
We met with our families,
It was a very crisp meeting just for an hour, we ate, we drank
and had a hearty laugh while sharing a story or 2 about us and our days together. Well the husbands and children just smiled away, all so ignorant of what those stories did really mean to us.
I saw glimpses of her in her children, and she, found bits of the younger me in mine.
We had no hunger, no thirst but to be with each other.
The silver streaks and grey shine in our hair were telling the stories we both wanted To hear, but were tied up so couldn’t share.
We talked while I served tea, her cup was warm, and I sat close to her to feel her warmth.
I don’t remember what she was wearing. Was there a ring on her finger, or did she have a watch on her wrist?
I only remember how looking at her turned the clock back.
Her Palm was full of frail lines, telling me about her struggles and triumphs.
Some stories could go on for years if we started talking…
A surge of emotions was waiting at the tip of my tongue,
A trail of tears built up in the corner of my eye. I consumed everything with tight lips and a smile.
I told myself, shh patience.. this is not the time!
We have spoken so many times on the phone through these years but have not spoken enough,
like we did when we were young, like in those years.
Stories in me kept steaming to release, but then, the hour was over …
She said its time to say goodbye
“I promise to meet again soon,”
None of us knew when!
My fondest of friends, she has to go. I wondered why!
I wanted to say don’t go … I have so much to tell you,
I have so much to say
I want to hug you once more,
let’s cry together, let’s laugh to this day.. be with me, don’t go, I need you , don’t go!
The one I shared my dreams,
my aspirations, my room,
clothes, tears,
my laughter, my fears,
my love affairs,
the joy of my Success ,
The sorrow of my failures
she was the one Who motivated me, fought for me over silly things
Taught me To face it all, she’s the one who knew the most beautiful part of me
And the ugliest too…
we did all that 2 Best Friends do.
Girlfriends, we were, roommates, heartmates, bffs as they say nowdays
she grew old on me and I hope I did grow on her too.
I wanted her to stop and stay,
I wanted to call out and say…
Please stay so that I can live
a little more today,
You are leaving again but
Is this farewell or just a matter of time
That will take away another 12 years of our life ?
Another 12 years of our life..
Until we meet again!!!