I LOVE YOU O’KASHMIR

I LOVE YOU O’KASHMIR

I never knew I love you so much.

Until on August 5, I lost you.

When I was caged inside my house.

When I was deprived of fresh and free air.

When I had nothing to fill my belly.

When my heart felt the pain.

When my merciless oppressors.

In a guise of a lamb, entered my garden.

Stealthily displayed their craftiness and ruthless face.

Detained my innocent youth, murdered them in cold blood.

When my mothers wailed and beat their chests.

When my sisters lost their beloved brothers.

When the grass turned all red and rivers with the tears.

When my elders were dragged and the women slapped.

When your heartless army trampled every boundary.

When I was no more a citizen of my ancestral land.

When none came to my help, neither the world nor my neighbours.

When the guns were pointed at me, aimed at my eyes and chest.

When my entire populace was choked with tear gas.

When my streets turned desolate and empty.

With your fear and callous tactics.

When they snatched my freedom and my peace.

When I was rendered speechless and dumbstruck.

Then I realized O’ Kashmir, I love you beyond limits.

Till then, I never knew that my love for you is unconditional.

Beyond logic and rationale. I love you with heart & soul.

                                                                                  Sumera B. Reshi