Serenade to the Sleepless

Very interesting.

Sonya, Lahore was my city. I left in 1995 and am still not sure why and what for. Loved the way you described it. Immaculately and precisely. Thanx.

Go NRO Go!

I am altaf pai from London via Karachi via Agra.

Eid-Less in Seattle

T'was the day of Eid, he lived all alone
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down with Eidee to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see ...

No tinsel nor presents, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and
dreary,
I'd found the house of a freedom fighter, Once I
could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled upon the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured an exiled soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read about in a
Digest from Kashmere?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed
I realized the Kashmeri families I saw on this
pseudo-night,
Owed to such freedom fighters, who were willing to
fight.
Soon 'round in Sirinagar the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Eid day.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Eid day exiled in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The exile awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Brother, don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom of Kashmere, I don't ask for
more,
My life is my God, my Kashmere, my Corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I started to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark pseudo-
night
This Guardian of Honor so willing to fight.

The soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on, Brother,
It's Eid, All is secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right
Eid Mobarak, my friend, and to all a Good Night!

Cozy!

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Padash, don't be silly, when you contacted me to write for TGK I was only a wee bit peeved about the fact that you wanted to remain annoymous to me, your editor. That's all. I'm so glad you're writing for Chowk! :) Look, I've jumped aboard the Chowk bandwagon too! My best, Sonya.

Hey girl, I know you dont like me much but awesome writing. Loved reading it!

Great writing Sonia, maybe you can compile a book of small stories........that'll be awesome!!

I felt so emotional reading this...i loved the description of munna "everything about him was round..".
Also loved your remarks about the moon... Somehow I always feel the moon looks its best in karachi, the nighu smells the sweetest in karachi, the darkness is most full of promise in karachi..than anywhere else in the world....:)

It is every parent's worst nightmare - having their child go missing...

Nice article. Some friendly advice; a little less detail would make this perfect. Thumbs up(for concept & imagination)!