Aubade – Karachi City Lights

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

Comments

  1. Ingrid says:

    Such words of hope which resides and survives through hardship! Beautiful, Sanaa 🙂

    1. Sanaa says:

      Thank you so much, Ingrid 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️

      (and thank you for the glorious prompt) 🌹

  2. Björn says:

    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.

    1. Sanaa says:

      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 🙂

  3. Shay says:

    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.

    1. Sanaa says:

      Awwww gosh! Thank you so much, Shay 😀 so glad you enjoyed it! 💄❤️

  4. Grace says:

    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,

    1. Sanaa says:

      Thank you so much, Grace 😀 so glad the poem and its imagery spoke to you 💄❤️

  5. 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.

    1. Sanaa says:

      Thank you so much, Dwight 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️

  6. msjadeli says:

    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.

    1. Sanaa says:

      Thank you so much, Lisa 😀 so glad you liked it 💄❤️

  7. Paula Light says:

    Beautiful and poignant…

    1. M Jay Dixit says:

      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!

      1. Sanaa says:

        Thank you so much, Jay 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️

    2. Sanaa says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

  8. paeansunplugged says:

    “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. 😍😍

    1. Sanaa says:

      Thank you so much, Punam 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️

  9. Helen says:

    The end .. gave me a chuckle. Most of all, you made want to visit your city. Another of your gorgeous poems.

    1. Sanaa says:

      Thank you so much, my dearest Helen 😀 so glad you liked it 💄❤️

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