A Refugee’s Ghazal

by Tejeswini

For Agha Shahid Ali – a real ghazal in English

You stole my words, how shall I awake peace?

Everyone is playing, why don't you too partake, Peace?

A war for justice or a war of plunder?

We are gambling men, and at stake? Peace.

The sky turns grey, our world is smoke and rubble.

There are only shadows in suits selling opaque peace.

There are no flag draped caskets for those we bury in the dark,

your cruel God doesnt grant us, even at daybreak, peace.

Schools are used as barricades, books are burnt for warmth.

From where are we to learn how to make peace?

Forlorn soldiers walk the desolate streets,

nobody is left from whom they can retake peace.

You ask for my land, my name, my beliefs, my identity.

When I ask why you came, you say, 'come, let us not break peace'.

Heads lowered, we thank you for your kindness,

children in tow - Is this how to fake peace?

As I sell you cigarettes, my friend, you ask — ‘Do you speak English?’

I know four words I say — ‘Thank you, Be well, Handshake, Peace.’

Who are we? The Runners, the Refugees, the Borderless.

Those that are forsaken by God or Those that forsake peace?

Hear me roar — I write to the whole world this ghazal,

Alas! Only you can hear my voice shake, Peace.

I know you burn with rage, Shahid,

but I implore you, for your own sake, peace.