Kettle by Anika Pandey

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Kettle by Anika Pandey

In hopes of diluting my emotions you placed
Me in a kettle on your stove, stirred in tea leaves
And let the concoction of feelings, lemon and ginger boil.

You glanced away for a second and soon
I was gasping for air and spouting out of
Your burning cage. But you swooped in and
hoped for my feelings to simmer with the flame.

My love is the last thing I want to burn you with, Darling.
But you left me no choice. I overflowed, out of the kettle
And onto your hands and clothes, till you felt the same
Scalding desire I did and till you gently poured me into a teacup.

– Anika Pandey (XI, Sahyadri School)