There is something special about December. It is the month of farewells, of much needed endings and even more wanted new beginnings. It is the month where snow falls over streets, rooftops, gardens, cars only for people to scrape it off and see it fall again. But what must be done is always done.
December, for me has mostly been a joy ride mixed with strong dozes of emotion, confusion and eerie contentment. Before I begin, let me tell you this, there is only one being on this earth who can help overcome all your troubles and answer all your questions and that is you. Even though you might not offer yourself a solution, but it is only in yourself and I strongly believe prayer to God, that when you find harmony between your mind, heart, body and soul that you will be at peace. It is not easy to reach that state and it is an ongoing process of life itself. So many of you will agree, as this is not something unheard of. And really, it is an individual self-learning process where you will have many friends and advisers But you shall find your way when you yourself have arrived, to your destination or to the knowledge of the fact that there never really is one final destination. Life moves on. One trial to another, one milestone to another and one day to another. Just like today's dawn saw the start of a new year.
I started writing the following poem thinking about Karachi and its daily unrest. But as I wrote, I realized how many cities and countries in this world are facing the same issues. Every place has its own battle to fight. Political unrest, religious upheaval revolutions, social and economic issues, child abuse and rape, fight for justice. Where did it all come from? Does education and technology make a savage out of a man, or is it the power and greed it gives man which he misuses. I wonder. So, my city here, is the world.
December was a cold, cold month and we, people of this city had to patiently endure, winters brunt yet winter was not our only trouble for in the hearts of people there was a flaming fire, not of love and compassion nor did it emit the warmth of peace and affection but a toxic fire, that spread its fumes with prejudice resentment, revenge and division all this cold and heat, so much unrest so much commotion, in a city where once tender steps were taken on calm streets warm embraces and handshakes were shared with welcoming hearts and children played on wet grass knowing they were safe under the sky's umbrella when man understood what adam and eve realised in heaven the difference between naked and clothed the contrast between black and white the separation between creed and religion he changed. his desire to know the uncertain converted. to hunger, and a race to win the competition we, the people of this city still wake up at dawn and feel the suns faint warmth and believe, that it may. it just might, be the same again until the suns light pierces through our hearts and its heat brings us back to this city. even though December is a cold, cold month
I only hope and pray that there is more good than bad. More positive than negative. More love than hatred. More acceptance than discrimination. More smiles than broken hearts. That children can look fearlessly in to the sky and wish for more rain and rainbows. And not be intimidated by drones, bombs and gunfire. I pray for harmony.