Heart in Hand By Fahima Zahir Oct.-Dec. 1999 Lemar-Aftaab From whose soft lips, bitter words are spoken A constant bruised heart is my love's token Tender eyes that with love implicit glance my ways Unanswered questions remain in his silent gaze Love that loves with open heart and mind Suffers not an end to loving, not even when confused blind Love that loves with a love that is endless Endures what crosses the skewed path regardless. And yet, the Season harbors the scent of separation; it is a Season of tears... I suffer the bitter taste of living out my fears Today sees the vain results of my prayers, To seek forgiveness and hope that God delivers But disheartened with despair - and a long journey ahead I walk with heavy steps, with vacant eyes, unaware of where I am led Back to the place I started, with heart in hand On an island of isolation is where I stand. Loneliness creeps in splendor with its black shadows Echoing what storms hover over love's meadows Chaotic thoughts linger in mind like stars on a moonless night Chaotic emotions carry me along on its serrated ride Memories resonate their sweetness again and again But I'm left with my heart in my hand and a keen pain I see the distant horizon where the water meets the sky Far away and beckoning, the soft swelling of the lake's water rises on high. I unveil the veils, veil by veil... Time's layers of suffering and happiness that have made my shell Yet, I hear the ringing of a little girl's laughter on a bright summer day And I long to relive that innocence and joy-- come what may... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Other work by Fahima Zahir: Eternal (Jan-March 1998) Caught in the 'Net' (Jan-March 1998) Howl (Oct-Dec 1997) In Deep (July-Sept. 1997) Copyright © 1999 Aftaabzad Publications. All Rights Reserved. May not be duplicated or distributed in any form without permission.