Under 25 Poetry Africa

Under 25 Poetry Africa –

"A Familiar Whisper" by Perumal Khedaren

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September 15th, 2026

Under 25 Poetry Africa Contest #2 – First Place

A Familiar Whisper

by Perumal Khedaren

The room holds a low light,
Notes carried through a half-closed door,
A phrase repeating without its beginning,

He places his hand at her back,
Finds the other in his,
Warm, familiar yet not quite steady,

They move,
Not quite with the music,
But close enough to pass,

Her head rests near his shoulder,
A strand of hair catching at his collar,

He turns them too early,
Pauses, then corrects,

His thumb shifts against her hand,
As if not with her,

She follows,
Though the step falters between them,

He lets the space open,
Just for a breath,
Then closes it again,

They circle once more,
The same turn,
Not landing where it should.

About the Poet
Perumal Khedaren resides in Rivière des Anguilles, Savanne District, Mauritius.
Read the poet's biography and Under 25 Poetry publications on Perumal Khedaren's Artist Page.

Under 25 Poetry Collection
This poem is also featured in Under 25 Poetry Collection #3, published in the Under 25 Poetry Library.

Previously published in Under 25 Poetry Africa:
All I Need Is My Soul
by Alicia Fox

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