I've counted the days in whispers,
measuring the silence between us like broken glass.
You linger like the petrichor after the rain,
a reminder of something that should've been washed away.

I've traced your name in dust,
the even consonants and odd vowels.
hoping the wind would carry it,
and let it vanish the way we did.

I look for you in crowded rooms,
like a dream I never wished to wake from.
but I just find you in my thoughts,
you come back too often, too close.

so if you're not mine to keep,
may God keep you away from me.

A smartly turned out young man in military uniform
When reached the gate saluted by all in proper form
He smiled and returned the salute with army,s norm
He passed by carrying in his hand a stick like storm

When he crossed the gate he went straight to his duty
On the way he remembered his grandfather suddenly
Then a past event cropped up and flashed his memory
When he accompanied his grandpa to just go and see

Then a sentry turned them down without entry pass
And told the old man that his relative told not to cross
The gate being sacred was disallowed by so called boss
The old man kept silent and looked to the sky with loss

Fruit of the prayer was rewarded in wonderful reward
God accepted the old man's prayer like an excellent Lord
Made the grandson of the man an officer as His little ward
When prayers are accepted become eternally time barred

Col Muhammad Khalid Khan
Copyright 2016 Golden Glow