round and around

i followed you from afar
for so long it’s hard to fathom
the time anymore. i traced the arc
of your career and marveled
at how well your sweet innocence
remained untouched, unbroken
and perfectly reflected
in the sparkle of eyes
so pure and so deep
that they captured me whole
and wouldn’t let go.

you came and you left
with barely a word spoken
and before anyone
could offer their fond farewell
you were off the stage
once again
while round and around
this merry-go-round
we continue to roll
as the notes
of your songs still linger.
and now i’m left behind
to pray and to hope
that your next role
brings more joy than pain
with a profound wish
that our paths
might cross
again one day
in a future
less lost
than found.

(for sreedevi)