Shadow After Sleep

By Neelisha Barfa

And as I look into the darkness 

behind me, I can't see it,

It follows me like a friend,

My dear shadow, my friend.

I am sleeping, trying to sleep

onto the misery of my room,

When I fall into a slumber,

What happens to my dear friend?

Rest is for all, for you too,

Can you sleep in tranquility

between the cold walls 

that haunt me in my dreams?

Do you perhaps sit beside me

blaming all the unfortunate 

on my sorrowful choices 

that I am vexingly proud of?

The Moon listens to all,

Do you also need to confide,

Share all your secrets with her

that I am morosely unaware of?

And if watching me sleep

tires you out through the night,

Will you also leave one day,

That I shall be left alone?

By Neelisha Barfa