After Growing Old

I heard the news, ran breathless with doubt in my chest, looked and looked again; then fled!
When I got there, someone else had come, my time was done—I could only throw a wry smile and leave instead!

It was late when I came home, so the gentlemen wouldn't let me in, turned me away.
But mother, though she'd turned her face aside, came deep in the night to bring me back to stay.

Since then I've never gone to that person again—he has someone else now!
I'm dying to know: does his new heart hold much more tenderness somehow?

How many days since I wrote! I write, yes, but never send. What address would I use?
My heart wants so much to see, to ask how he is—but what courage could I choose?

When clouds gather in the sky, surely the girl makes him puffed rice! Does she keep the olive pickle too?
Oh no, I mean—those were just things he loved to eat, back when I wasn't through!

He used to take me to the fair, put me on the Ferris wheel, buy me silk ribbon candy.
If she knew all this, would that new person in his house love him enough to understand me?

The girl surely cooks well, keeps my scattered man tidy with care!
Then I have no more worries—such happiness is mine, I'll forget this old despair!

Does the girl rest her head on his hairy chest? Line her eyes with kohl? Beg to see movies on holidays?
Of course she does—why would she stop? Did I stop then? That foolish man is only hers these days!

When his heart grows heavy he blinks often, yet never lets anyone see his sadness—
This new girl! Do you only manage sari, jewelry, and kitchen? Or do you tend his heart's quiet madness?

Oh no! I called him mine! Did anyone hear?
Let them hear—what do I fear? Today I don't care anymore, my dear!

The man stays quite silent always, he could never say much, you know.
Does the new girl understand? Or does she just sulk when hurt feelings show?

I knew the man loved watching movies so!
Is it still the same? Or has he changed in the new one's flow?

Listen, new girl, whoever you are, I want nothing; just take care of my man!
I promise to write all my good deeds in your name—check God's ledger when you can!