Standing on the terrace
Watching the birds return,
To a place of safety.
Where longings are satiated
And hungry nestlings wait.
She closes her eyes.
Remembers the pungent smell of his sweating skin,
The taste of his tobacco-stained tongue.
Him, forcing on her
Every night even after fighting,
And calling her names.
She sees her call list,
Takes God's name
Gathers the strength to block his number
And then calls a lawyer.

.    .    .