standing barefoot
in a mountain stream
her sun-kissed figure
flames with autumnal fire.
a cool breeze scatters
stray strands
of long black hair
across her face
while i watch spellbound
from atop
a lichen-covered rock
as the light bleeds away.
she faces me,
her hazel eyes easily
knifing through
my ego’s defenses.
and seeing me shaken,
one hand covers her smile
but can’t stifle
amused laughter.
and there on a slope
in faraway kashmir
i fell forever in love
with my better half.
