Poem and photograph by Saif Ali
Look at me!
Take a moment and look at me!
What do you see?
What do you think of me?
When you see the shattered memories of my past
The scattered ashes of my dreams
The deep wounds that decorate my heart
What do you see?
Yes, I have lost a lot and grieved a lot
I was broken at times and my hopes were torn hundreds of times
You are right. I carry a world of sorrow, grief and loss
But…
I also carry another world
A world that is as big, and as real
Where butterflies can ride storms and dance with fire
Where hope is a phoenix that never dies for long before it rises again
Where trust is a mountain that keeps growing deeper and higher
Where possibilities know no limits and dreams can never be contained
So please remember that I am more than what I’ve lost
Remember that I am more than what you see
Come closer and look again…
And see the endless buds that are awaiting the sunshine
See the rivers, the lands, the birds and the stars
There is still a space in me for a new possibility
There is still a space in me for a new beginning, for a new reality
I am much more that what I’ve lost
I am much more than what you see
So don’t force me into a box that breaks my wings
Instead…
Be the sunray that helps me flourish
Be the flame that resurrects the phoenix in me!
Connect with me on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn