Epiphany Year End Issue 2017 | Page 22

21 TAINTED HANDS NUR LAILI She gingerly picks up the instrument knowing it’s not the first time Yet every movement, every bit of it squeezed out feels like it could go so terribly wrong She deliberately stalls the looming moment before she starts on her masterpiece her livelihood, her means to make ends meet talking, laughing, smiling with her customer, feigning. Confidence, all fake. All nervous from the inner volcano about to erupt But His captivating smile, those dreamy eyes flashes in front of me. His breath caressing my face. Should we take it further? Then it spews all the vile stickiness. Splattered on those precious assets. Pandora’s box smeared on flawless appendages When mind wrestles with limbs, there can be no satisfactory service.