Under the Chinar Tree

I dreamt about the mountains with snow

I wrote about the river that flows

I came here to find my home

I walked across the streets in search of me,

The child who was born and raised in the shadow of an old chinar tree

The river called me to the banks

The trees talked to me under the falling leaves

The river, she cried tears which none could see

The trees were withered beyond belief

Some were supposed to take a leap of faith

While others were meant to deceive

The trees whispered to me

Telling me they won’t let me pack my bags and leave

But they were scared of the blood

The blood that seeps in every corner and flows in all the streams

Yet I dared to dream

Dared to be what felt so surreal

Only to be reminded

I live in a cage with no locks and chains

Surrounded by my own reflections

That keeps me afraid to be

Afraid to go beyond

And see what’s on the other side for me

Now it's me who is scared

Scared to believe in the child under the Chinar tree