The Pashtun women who span the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan use poetry to portray a common truth about war, separation, homeland, grief, or love. A landay is a poetry form which has 22 syllables: 9 in the first line, 13 in the second. Sometimes they rhyme, but more often not. To read more about…
Some people are good at starting over. Others are terrible at starting over. And there are those who will simply not start over. This poem is for all of us: the good, the terrible and the won’t. A FLOWER IN THE SKY You have always been unclipped butterfly. Flying to melodies of failed and triumphed…
It was December 2014 when I read an article with a title: The last thing a 3-year-old Syrian said before he died: “I’m gonna tell God everything”. To date, I am still haunted. Tell God how – harmful acts justify religion blood smears deeds of faith. But before you do please take my wings as…
Every year on June 5, we honour World Environment Day to raise awareness about environmental issues and call for action. The theme of this year is sustainable lifestyles. The topic has a room for everyone because every action counts. Take a moment to question how we live and how it impacts the planet. It’s your…
The Rubaiyat From Africa I I adore you, handsome son of Africa. Let me undress your heart’s lamina Watering love to your modest veins Until you want more of me, Hekima. II I have journeyed under starless clouds To free my heart from desiring shrouds. After I see you seated on a verandah, I pray…
I am so delighted to be a published poet for Poetry Potion: Dear South Africa. In its eighth print quarterly, Poetry Potion invited poetry from South Africa as well as the rest of the work to examine the state of the South African Nation, twenty years after the end of Apartheid. Through verse and rhyme,…
An African Blessing May the mountains, valleys and great waters sail you to greatness. May the elephants, hyenas and birds guide you to magnificent adventures. May the drums, marimbas and songs unleash your hidden talents. May the exotic foods, fruits and drinks nourish you with glorious life. May…
For children and parents in Peshawar: I don’t know what to tell a parent who has lost a child. I don’t know what to say when that loss is instigated by senseless act of terror. And I certainly don’t know what to tell a child who has witnessed all these. Because I don’t know how,…
RIP, dearest cousin Amani Kweka We crumbled as you slipped by leaving a trail of doting memories. A son passed away yesterday night. If November was to delay this tragedy I would bribe it with dozen of poppies. But, consolation is God’s instrument. Raindrops drumming on the roof an orchestra of heavenly reception. He dwells…