It’s luster in a storm to be honest;
this city
with its highs and lows
bathed in orange and mauve–
one can almost capture the stillness
of night in a poem,
taste the gentle moonlight
that whispers soft against the skin.
Poets have an ongoing affair with romanticism.
The city awakens to pulsating rhythm
of the ocean and tumult of engine,
as day breaks,
and wind is laced with fragrance of dry fruit
and etiquettes–
I walk in footsteps of weeping cherry leaves
and contemplate
the world with peace punctured,
it’s hard to say if the world is nearing its end
or is simply turning a page.
Today my heart is much more open;
as birds sing a familiar song,
here among endless rows of apple trees,
and further down south
where cafes and antique shops line
cobblestone streets
as one decides between tart or sweet,
it seems almost sinful
to distinguish between the two–
since when has life ever turned out to be
predictable and trouble-free?
Carelessly, my words go on to touch
and move beyond expectation;
a blend of sugar and cream for those
who are hurting,
I believe that humans are capable of more
than despair allows them to feel,
that bones are made of stardust
and intention is a grey dove awaiting its flight;
it’s all one ever needs to survive.
Now go back and start reading from the top.
Photo credits: Joseph Zbukvic Watercolor Painting, Pinterest
Posted for Poetics: Poetry of Place and Space @dVerse Poets Pub
Such words of hope which resides and survives through hardship! Beautiful, Sanaa 🙂
Thank you so much, Ingrid 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️
(and thank you for the glorious prompt) 🌹
I love how the place is more about your thoughts than the place itself, maybe the real place is within really. BTW… I have heard the sounds of Karachi at night, and I wonder if it’s ever silent.
Thank you so much, Bjorn 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️
A few areas are relatively quiet here .. namely the suburbs and high-rise buildings near the ocean 🙂
That ending made me crow with delight. The older I get, the more curious i become about other places, (armchair) travel, world music, and such. You’ve evoked a place i have never been and never will be, but you took me there. Your poem also took me into your thoughts and feelings about things and you wove the personal and the city details together marvelously. just wonderful writing, Sanaa.
Love the description of your city as well as your thoughts as you walk in footsteps of weeping cherry leaves. Have not been there yet. Mostly admire your inner space as well:
Today my heart is much more open;
as birds sing a familiar song,
A beautiful sentimental poem, Sanaa. There are so many sights and sound in the city that can bring joy to those who can take it all in.
I liked this line…
I walk in footsteps of weeping cherry leaves
and contemplate
the world with peace punctured,
Sadly this is true.
I feel the genuine affection you have for Karachi City and get a sense of its character through your words. I like how you then rise from the city streets and blanket your city with hope. Beautiful poem, Sanaa.
Beautiful and poignant…
Beautiful imagery, Sanaa and I can feel the deep love you have for this place through your lovely poem and oh, that ending is so awesome!
“I believe that humans are capable of more
than despair allows them to feel,
that bones are made of stardust
and intention is a grey dove awaiting its flight;
it’s all one ever needs to survive.”
Beautiful and profound thoughts, Sanaa! Loved looking at Karachi through your eyes. 😍😍
The end .. gave me a chuckle. Most of all, you made want to visit your city. Another of your gorgeous poems.