Wheels and Spikes

Wakeful nights Painful thoughts Sweet memories of childhood Melting into harsh realities To be accepted, like it or not   His sturdy helmet Shiny motorbike One powerful acceleration and off he went Innocent children watched with pride! How strong was the father figure! Bringing us presents Taking us to school Helping us with homework A well of knowledge A source of strength   Mazda and motorbike Transformed into a wheelchair now What big spikes, what huge circles But a vicious cycle! Aching limbs and fading memories Gazing in the air Silenced voice, yet sending me messages From thousands of miles   Method of survival But a built in system Counter thoughts summoned to console In the darkness of the night The mind has miraculously shifted itself Into pleasant thoughts Beautiful babies bouncing around Bursting with energy A source of delight How tears got combined with smile!   Challenges on their own Much harder to bear If perceived in combination With blessings bestowed Suffering dilutes itself    Taketh with one hand Giveth with the other   Simultaneous   Sweet and bitter Strong and week Young and old Life and death Its sorrow and pleasure Denial and acceptance Counting it all in pairs Consolation overpowers disturbance Acceptance over denial Temporary over permanent! At least for now  ………………………………………….. Zohra Zoberi March 13, 2007