Hm ne maane k taghaful na karo ge lekin
Khaak ho jayen ge hm tum ko khabr hone tak
Photo: Sonya Kassam
waiting by the shore
longing to see the other side
of the ocean
lingering on the periphery
sensing our affinity
if only you never were,
but you are
like dust particles
swirling in the dying gasps
of every sunset, when
the crow squawks home
an empty beak, still
ego undented
a garland of dried roses
in your memory
should you depart
before my time
if only you never were,
but you are
***
I am fortunate to be young enough 
to have enjoyed the music of the 90s
You and me, we used to be together
Every day together, always
I really feel that I’m losin’ my best friend
I can’t believe this could be the end