I wait for this time of the day
when I am just a girl
who wants to eat instant noodles, all by herself
or, like tonight, toast heaped with butter and jam
when I am feeding just myself
and truly relishing the treat, just for myself

I wait for this time of the day
when I can read, if only a soppy romance novel
when I can write, if only sentimental stuff
when I can walk in my garden, and become one with nature
when I can feel the silence around me
lulling me into a sense of serenity and peace

I wait for this time of the day
when I free myself of all the other identities that I have
of a lioness rearing her cubs, a companion to her spouse
a dutiful daughter to her parents, a nurturer of a welcoming abode
and become that girl
who dreamt a thousand dreams.

And I am glad that the girl still exists.

© April 2018 Sapna Dhyani