My Departed Friends

Oh! Those whom I loved and cared that left this world Enjoying the bliss of heaven when my heart wreaths in pain Free from anguish and agony and attitudes apathetic and cold Away from burning sunlight of hatred, ruthlessness and strain My loving parents and my little sister departed one by one The infinite mercy of the Creator granted them joy of heaven For me the luscious trees of love gave way to burning sun The path of life turned thorn infested, rocky and uneven The lustful demons of merciless world waiting for me on way My only weapon, my resolute, indomitable will With God behind my relentlessness I conquered life in a sway Lonely nights followed crowded days dreary, dreadful still Then showered on me God’s sagacious and profound recompense Through love and compassion my beleaguered soul thrived On desert of life came the rain-filled clouds of loyalty of friends Roses bloomed, nightingale sang, life’s elegance revived But happy days are shorter than the morning dew’s life You Manzoor, Arif, Marghub,.Nisar, Mehmuda, Ismat, Harry and Jo. Who were spared the pains of this world of conflicts and strife. Tranquility of heaven is your destiny, Aftab, Ferreira and Remigio Your abode has elegant pink shadows and golden sunlight Fragrant rivers and gardens with flowers of colors unseen Pebbles of emeralds and rubies present the sight’s delight Gushing fountains, silvery lakes, hills and valleys ever green These bounties are rewards of goodness and your virtuous deeds Your kindness, your compassion, and your illuminated soul The Creator, most merciful and benevolent gifts beyond one needs More than lofty aspirations and much beyond your goal. Happy though I am for you I must still complain Why you chose to desert me; why you left alone The leaping flame of loneliness is my destiny again The path to eternal bliss you took, to me you should have shown -----