Bebee Phool Ley Lo

sadafa

Thanks for a very thoughtful and a very beautifully written article. All we need is a couple of more people like you to constitute the conscience of our nation!

A REQUIEM TO:
Gora Goras & Kala Goras & Kala Kalaas

Wind of Change ...
Is once more tapping at doors,
rattling windows,
opening eyes, ears, minds to the
possibility
of an idea gathering momentum
to create a monumental miracle.

But is it more than in a flight of
fancy, we hear a roll of gigantic
drums awakening us to feel the
psychedelic pulse giving birth
to a renewal of tenderness -
arousing us to view hate and
revenge
as a false tracery to be chased time
out of time - beyond
mind`s sight - until our tread mill
memory is stilled?

Even the birds seem to be chirping,
feel
the warm glow spreading through
the people of the land of pure.

But the warm gentle breeze changed
to a cold strong wind,
denuding trees, while dry leaves
seemed to sigh - if only -
And in the crisp morning light, with
a hunger for peace,
myriads of people,
gora goras, kala goras and kala kalaas,
joined in the refrain
- if only -
as a strong wind picks up the
voices, carrying them
over land and sea; and as it softens
to a gentle breeze and
gora goras, the kala goras and kala kalaas
sing
in harmony
To celebrate our diversity!

Re: Safdar Abidi

Good to see you, Safdar! The question you ask is very pertinent. `Why should we like, love and be proud of Pakistan?` I think it is a question all of us at Chowk can ask ourselves and share with each other. It is a crucial question for discovering the Pakistani identity..that identity that we must have in order to progress. It is inextricably linked to our own sense of self-worth as Pakistani citizens. Any views on this question?

Re: Waqas Khan

``The differences are the greatest strength
of that place called Pakistan and painting everyone into these self-imposed boxes of colour,ethnicity, thought-paradigms, education level, social status etc. are the norms that have to be railed against. One of the major steps in progress is to get away from the pre-judgement and labels. Only that will get us going in the right direction. Progress is inclusion and not exclusion.
It is Hope and not pessimism.``...... Exactly! Also please don`t mistake my sorrow for cynicism. The `C` gene totally passed me by......:-)

How about some more along the lines of the quote above? I really liked it, thanks.

Jinglebell Jinglebell Jingle All the Way ...

Pakistan is, oh well,
one long ride of a sleigh!
Some days a freeway,
straight and smooth.
With a fast lane for those who panic,
and despair.
A slow lane for those with no destination,
boredom overtakes.
A middle lane for those who look to the future,
enjoying the past.

Pakistan is, oh well,
one horse open of a sleigh!
Some days like a speedway,
with bends and turns.
Families laughing with rapture,
all cozy and warm.
Sitting huddled together,
listening to cries of a new born babe.
But crises occur as quick as a flash,
the laughter fades.

Now that a new regime is upon us,
it searches for a fork in the road!
Say vut id bi mamma?

Pakistan is, oh well,
bells and jingles all the way!
Some days just a Mole of a Mountain,
a tough struggle to the top.
But once up, Success!
Determination pays!
And when the hard part is over,
It`ll be Jinglebell Jinglebell Jingle all the way!

I quote
``Industrialized nations became rich because they developed a common identity and rewarded endeavor. `` Unquote:

It is a crucial observation. It is quite accurate as well. I have often enquired from my friends if they could define what exactly is a Pakistani identity. The answers have primarily included Islam, a non sub-continent heritage, and so on. It would be interesting if someone made an attempt to examine what I call the Identity issue - perhaps that would help to unify us; (a) as a race and (b) as world citizens.

Brilliant Stuff, Saima.

But I am confused about the answer to the final 2 questions: Who is Pakistani? Who will Save Pak? I agree that those who ``like being Pakistani`` answer the first. But can these ``Save the country``? Yes, If anyone can they can. But can they? I hope, but I fear.