By Faiz Abdulla
"How are you so calm, composed, and well put together?"
He asked, as I stood there chewing his words,
32 times, ensuring they got the right amount of time,
To digest.
"You somehow manage to keep your head levelled,
Moving forward with life,
No matter the circumstance."
Isn't that something?
I thought to myself,
As I stood there, chewing those words.
32 times.
As I am sure you must have heard,
That's the proper number,
To ensure things have been properly processed.
Just that morning, I had thoughts of jumping off a bus.
"You're so smart, and kind, always doing the right thing."
He said, as my face flushed,
"I mean it, you're a great guy."
I could tell he was being earnest.
Would he still say that?
I wondered,
If he took a step into my world?
But in the moment,
It did not matter,
As I stood there chewing his words,
Savoring each bite,
Ensuring each of the 32,
Was a slow,
Deliberate churn.
He left soon after,
Never realizing,
How much those words meant.
Simple words of affirmation,
Giving wind to my wings,
Ensuring I keep aloft,
Despite the turbulence.
I wish I could have told him,
As I stood there,
Taking time, to give them the proper, 32 times' treatment,
That it was those very words,
That would keep me going,
For the next 32 days.