A FORTIFIED HEAVEN


The school gets over at four

And by six thirty the church closes its door.

It's just the priest and the village school master.

The dusk becomes darker, the night settles faster.


The village surrounding  us becomes quiet.

Holding on to its hearth warmth tight.

The fog comes rolling in from the mountains behind.

The marshy pond an injection of chill does find.


Dinner is generous and at seven.

The place feels like a fortified heaven.

The cold is sharp and constant.

The dusk surrenders to the night, unnoticed and instant.


There is no going out after this.

In the house of God, obedience is bliss.

The stone walls are stubborn and thick.

Time travels slow, forgetting to tick.


By nine the village lights are all out.

Even the shadows then are not up and about.

A presence unseen takes dominion.

The dark unleashes its own champion.


Both of us feel a force just outside.

To which we shall never abide.

And it will never be able to enter this place.

Consecrated by His power and grace.

@Er.Aadil Jahangir

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IS THE BATTLE WORTH IT?

 IS THE BATTLE WORTH IT? As the night fire is at last lit, I wonder whether the battle is worth it. Has the cause long been defeated? And the heart of a warrior simply cheated? Am I the only one left in the fight? For I have only loneliness in sight. Is the battle won or lost? And is my soul the only cost? But I am the one who picked up the cause. Defended it fiercely without pause. Shed unrestrained blood and tears. Pierced mercilessly by swords and spears. But suddenly I realise nobody fights any more. The philosophy of compromise reigns to the core. Somewhere down the line the battle has lost its way. Meekly surrendered to corruption's sway. But then a warrior is all I am and ever will be. From the war I will never be free. My ego and honour are deep as the night. I must do what my soul feels right. A warrior will find a true war. Where compromise is not a bar. I know some place or some people will need me. From tyranny and oppression to set them free. So yes, a battle is always...
Read more

THE HILLS WHISPER

The mist is an assuring, intriguing shroud. Sneaky, clandestine under the dark cloud. It silently proceeds, permeating corner and inch. So effortless as not to make the senses flinch. It comes rolling down from the hills. In stealth and silence, sans gimmick and thrills. From autumn to early spring it comes early. Under the nimbus dark assuming a whirly. The huddle of houses waits for it. The time and reason for the lights to be little. This foothill village, ages old and growing. Never competing with time's frenzied flowing. Once you have a place here, you belong. You become a component of an endearing song. We are all just about survivors here. But this place treats us with great care. They say the hills watch us all the time. Instill in us their own exclusive rhyme. They offer the mist to wrap us in a protective gear. Where we can breathe easy of our doubts and fear. "Stay here! Don't leave!" The hills whisper. With a close, cosy bond they do pamper. It's a st...
Read more

THE CITY FORGETS

The city tends to forget you. You become obscured from its view. Amidst the fury, dazzle and sizzle. You become forgotten in a drizzle. You wait for a message, wish or call. But only the shadows stand tall. You expect your emotions to be reciprocated. Only the shadows get elongated. It's easy for the city to ignore and insult. Arrogance and rudeness have become cult. It has measured your sincerity. And exploited your simplicity. But it doesn't forget everyone. With the rich and smart it does have fun. It has inherited a culture of selfishness. In flashy parties and drinks it finds grace. You must move away dear. Because the city doesn't care about your pain and tears. Withdraw and find solace in the shadows. Find a quiet alley between the towering rows. It's in the city's blood to use and throw. To burn you agonisingly slow. The city just doesn't deserve you. Its culture is stale with nothing new. @ Er.Aadil Jahangir
Read more