The Soft Monologue of Shringara

I was just passing by. I didn’t mean to stay this long.

But something about the way the world hummed,

soft and stubborn,

made me pause.

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I snuck a glance,

the vibrant colors ebbing off of all of you.

It was something so… natural and innocent.

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I was just passing by,

when her pigtails bounced past me,

hugging her teddy bear like it was her whole world.

Perhaps it was made from sparkles and magic.

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I was just passing by,

but then I witnessed a little boy hesitating to eat his lollipop,

choosing instead to give it to the crying stranger.

He didn’t know who she was.

Just that she was sad, and he could try to help.

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I was just passing by,

but then I saw two old men,

heartily chuckling together

like they were back in their school days.

Even with aching backs, their lively hearts still glowed.

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I was just passing by,

but then I saw a woman,

hands clasped and eyes closed,

etching her prayers deep into her soul.

Whispering to a God, distant yet listening.

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I was just passing by,

but I couldn’t keep going forward.

No matter how much I wanted to ignore it,

your hearts amazed me.

The way you lived life like you meant it,

strengthened the very root of my being.

For what greater joy is there in life than love?

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So, maybe I’ll stay.

If only for a bit longer.

Just to see how you choose to love next.