While You Were Away

In knowing you
I am knowing me
On the path to discovery
The pleasure is all mine
In knowing
I am Me

Down the winding path
The bright autumn leaves
The fragrance of green in the air
By the lake a lonely hut
And multitude of skyscrapers
Running along
Trying to overcome
Each hurdle and each milestone
With ease
With calm
Will I

If trees can shed their autumn leaves
Will I be able to shed them all
Will I be able to grow them new
Not a tiny sapling
Like a strong tree
It’s the roots that I wouldn’t know what to do
As they remain strong and sound
So I can shed the leaves and hope that I would flower
In the next spring

more by SHALINI LUNKAD

Photograph by Greg Westfall