While In The Ashes

By Esha Jaiswal

I sleep by the window. Like I used to when I was with you. It takes time for me to drift off and I keeping staring at the leaves of the tree just outside, reflecting light off of the street. A multitude of shades and tones, so many greens. Translucent to dark, they are all there. And, while I look at them, each night, I think of us.

If there were an us to begin with. If you were ever true to me. If there was love. Of who you really are and, if I would ever come to know. Of all the dreams I had. Of how broken they are right now. Of a faint hope for the future. Of a faint faith in myself. Of a faint realization that my life is correcting itself.

I sleep by the window

and while I look at the leaves,

I think of where I am headed

and how far I have reached.

By Esha Jaiswal