Snow

Pure, fresh, pristine.
Having arrived just a few hours before,
it was waiting for us as we stood at the trailhead.
A clean white carpet draped on the forest floor,
inviting us in.

And we walked.

Hard as rock. And unforgivingly slippery.
Treacherous under a thin blanket of powder.
One misstep and we’d be on our backs.

We kept walking.

Brittle as glass.
Cracking easily under the weight of our steps like fine china.
A crisp ripping sound in the muffled forest air,
and then quiet.

We pressed on.

Soft, as the finest Egyptian cotton.
Cushioning our feet as if walking on puffs of cloud,
high above the forest floor.

We continued walking.

White turned gray and then black
as the day surrendered to dusk and then night.
Darkness descended upon us,
erasing the difference between the ground and the sky.

Like walking in nothingness,
the only sound we heard was the one of our own breathing,
and our footsteps on the black snow.

And we kept walking.

All Grown Up

It seems like yesterday I had you cradled in the crook of my elbow. And look at you now! Although there was never a time when you and I couldn’t understand each other, something changed tonight. For both of us. Tonight you seem more mature, and as full of life as ever. Tonight, to me, you seem all grown up. Somehow, losing those teeth just made our conversations all grown up too.

When You Were Loved

When every dream
has turned to dust,
and your highest hopes
no longer soar.

When places you
once yearned to see,
grow further away
on distant shores.

When every night
you close your eyes,
and long inside
for something more.

Remember this
and only this,
if nothing else
you can recall—

There was a life
a girl once led,
where you were loved
the most of all.

– Text from “When”,  in Lullabies, by Lang Leav

En Route to Gaustatoppen

Gaustatoppen, considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway, towers above the town of Rjukan at an altitude of 1883 meters (6178 feet). The views from the top, as well as along the route, are stunning, and on a clear day, hikers can see one sixth of Norway from the summit!

The mountain is a popular destination for Norwegians, something I got to experience a few weeks ago. There was a constant stream of people all along the route. So many that there was a queue.

Many parents had brought their children along, the youngest ones walking, only three or four years old. Many of the children were crying and begging their parents to be carried, or simply refusing to go on. Most of the parents were ignoring their cries and telling them to keep going. This is something they simply had to do, and crying or yelling would definitely not help!

So en route to the summit of Gaustatoppen, with a backdrop of majestic Norwegian mountains, I got to witness the meticulous efforts of some parents to transfer what they believe to be core Norwegian values to the next generation. It was interesting to see how parents will always choose what they think is best for their children, no matter how much the little ones oppose.

I am Alone

There was a world far away, in which you and I lived.
Walking on the paths of our dreams, I said to you,
I admit, I am in love. If this is not love, what is it?

I am alone, I am alone, I am alone. Without you,
I am alone

Your innocence, your laughter. I miss your simplicity.
In my eyes, in my breaths. You are in my heart, in its beat

Our togetherness lasted centuries.
If you are not here, my heart is lonely.

Why did you get upset with me, what was my mistake?
You left my world barren, all your promises were lies.

I am alone, I am alone, I am alone. Without you,
I am alone

I am alone, I am alone, I am alone. Without you,
I am alone

(Original in urdu by Raeth from their album Raeth)

Remembrance

Muhammad Anwar Soofi

Every year, on December 25th, Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Pakistan, a social organization for Pakistanis in Norway, celebrates the birth of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Here, the general secretary, Muhammad Anwar Soofi, is watching a video being projected on the wall of the basement-hall rented for the evening.

Alone

Alone

I am sure the nights are not really longer. It’s just that I miss you the most during the small hours of the morning when I lie awake tossing and turning.

I am sure the winter is not really colder. It’s just that I don’t have your warm embrace to comfort me during those chilly winter evenings.

I am sure the park is not really deserted. It’s just that if you’re not around, I have a hard time seeing anyone.

I am sure you didn’t really mean to hurt me, the argument was a culmination of the cumulative distance between our hearts created by layers of time and space.

I am sure your phone is not really broken. It’s just that you’ve been too busy to call me, and I miss those stories of yours that always makes me smile.

I am sure there is no vacuum in my chest. It’s just that I still lose my breath when I think of you.

Monster

2014-10_Monster

You always wear a mask,  because if removed, people will see you as a monster. You know you stand out when you hide your face like that, but it is still better than to be hunted for who you are. A small mistake, and you will discover that the road from love to hate is swift and paved with excruciating pain.

But tonight you will take it off. Tonight you will be yourself, and still blend in. Just a few hours away, you can almost taste the dry autumn breeze, nipping at your tongue as you stick it out.

Tonight no one will judge you. Tonight you will be invisible. It is your one night of true freedom. Ah, what a feeling that will be!

Goodbye

I pray that when you read this, you are safely on the other side of the ocean.

It was good to have you here as always. Remember that I will always be eagerly awaiting your next visit, in whichever season it may be. And always receive you with a big smile.

Take with you all the good memories, leave behind any sad and awkward moments. Take with you the strength you gained, and keep with you the support you always have from this side of the ocean.

Remember that I am closer than your own heart. Closer than the distance between you and sadness. Closer than the time it takes for a tear to slide down your cheek.

Forgive me for all my shortcomings and mistakes. For my childish behaviour and immature nature. Look past my weaknesses and you will see goodness and friendship, and deep and genuine care. Look beyond it all and you will see yourself living in my heart.

Perfection

Perfection

Your carefree smile,
your tears of frustration.

Your  playful laughter,
your heart-rending cries.

Your repertoire of sounds,
your unambiguous communication.

Your drive to explore,
your fear of the unknown.

Your boldness and trust in your abilities,
your confidence in me.

Your defiance and determination,
your obedience and cooperation.

Your anger and resilience,
your unconditional love.

In everything you do and everything you are, I see perfection.
You are honour, fame, power. You are Izza, and this will always be your day.

Happy birthday!