Topographical Oddities

Penang Hill, Monsoon season.

We sit and soak in rain.

Below us, the city spreads,

a sea-locked, soggy legoland.

With the tip of my tongue I

sneak a touch to the ridged red scar 

that mars your cheek. Store the taste 

in my archive of topographical oddities. 

And you hover your hand over mine,

a ghost touch. In God’s land

someone is always watching, you said,

and the angels above paused their tears to agree.

Alia Shahzad