A Second Life

In deep thoughts, my eyes are closed Mind numb to the people around The wall hugs my back, A blanket of heaviness on my heart What will it be, how will things happen The circumvent whirl of questions I put out all prayers Take note of all Gods I know I remember Shiva and the Gharib Nawaaz I recite Gurbani and murmur Jesus Christ I sense a strange smell, I hear a cry The door is pulled back A veil of apprehension makes way Her eyes are blank, I try to read emotions She takes a profound breath, her lips pour those everlasting words “It’s a Baby Girl” It’s my second life There is a renaissance of bliss Of a feeling that had never been An angel rests in my arms a tear rolls down my cheek Two little hands to hold, A pure smile to devour The eyes of her mother, The lips of her father I thank all my Gods I embrace my second life…