Dual Rhythms: Poems of Shazia Rashid

SELF

Hey...dear self!

I thought of all - but not of you You are a being, just like the rest Yet somehow, I forgot that too.

You are my truest, closest friend While others fade like morning dew... Who knows me better, deep within

Than the one who walks in my own shoe?

I gave my best to everyone

Yet left you longing, left you bruised.

I'm sorry for the times I failed But now my love I'll see you through!

From this day forth, you'll stand above My heart, my soul, my first embrace... For when you shine, I shine as well And in your joy, I find a place...

CHILDHOOD

When life was simple, pure and bright

Every moment bathed in light...

Laughter echoed, games ran wild No burdens touched the heart of a child.

No worries, no weight to bear Just endless joy and love to share... No schemes to break, no fears to fight Only dreams that soared in flight.

We ate, we played, we slept with ease Carried by the softest breeze.

Oh, childhood - so short, so sweet

A melody time won't repeat.

If only life could grant one stage

To relive those days, to turn the page But memories hold what time can't steal A childhood lost, yet always real.

ILA Magazine