Response Poem 2 : Pallavi Verma

Double occupancy in my apartment


Living with strangers isn’t difficult now
I can adjust well
adjust to the presence of someone
in my 8x8 room
space divided for her bed and my bed
almirah divided for her space and my space

We know we aren’t living like strangers
when our clothes exchange,
our slippers exchange
when one learns to sleep
with the lights on
for the sake of other
she can adjust well
adjust to my presence  

I have been a constant in the room
a constant to the changing imprints
of ‘someone’s’ presence
like the same old ink pen
but the diary you write in changes
I gather the dust of their imprints
on the hanging curtains.
I never want to wash those curtains.  

But how long will the ink pen go on
Someday it will be replaced too Note: In response to "Vacating an Apartment" and "The Previous Occupant"