When You Are Gone

by Yasmin binti Ahmad

But if only God would grant me a piece of His courage,
I might face your absence without dying. 
But if only you would take me with you wherever you go,
I would find home in a million different places.
And I would sweeten you in a million different ways.
Before you are sleepy, I will have already placed a thigh under your falling head.
Before you are hungry,  I am already peeling onions.
When you are angry with me, I shall kiss you.
When you are not, I shall kiss  you twice.
If you should die before me, I shall lie down beside you.
Whisper a joke into your half-listening ear.
Promise the ultimate promise of eternal companionship.
When you are gone, I do not die, 
But I am forever dying.