Lahore, I miss you.

Lahore-

 I miss you.

I miss your colour

I miss your magic

I miss your people 

I miss your dusty streets

and I miss your stifling heat

I miss your warmth.

Lahore, 

I miss your kingdom

I miss your children 

I miss their smiles and their wiles

Lahore I miss walking for miles
 everyday 

to Shalimar Gardens

through a labyrinth of markets 

that harden 

folk.

Where I am now

Where I've been

Will I ever understand

what it all means?

I miss the creatures that roam

I miss home.

I wonder, 

is it possible to feel homesick

towards a land so derelict

so ill-equipped

for a dreamer
like me? 

If only I could make you see-
Lahore!

Lahore, I miss your heart

But is it really possible for me to start

a new life in your land

and yet remain how I am

myself-

how I think 

and how I live? 

How can I give 

back?

Lahore I want a piece of you

I want to buy a piece of you 

and create a magical place

a sacred space

a school filled with joy and learning

Lahore, I will never stop yearning 

for you

for this dream. 

I'd create a nature reserve 

where I'd serve 

up natural ideas and 

spiritual delights
and I'd share with friends,
such beautiful sights.

Lahore I miss you, I do. 

Lahore, I have so many plans

I can't tell you

But you know they always fall 

through.

Time is ticking Lahore

What does the future have in store

for me?

I'm scared 

I'll get distracted and forget

the promises I made to the children I met

by the banks of the river Ravi.

Should I really go away

to do an MA 

in Creative Writing

or should I keep fighting 

to make this dream a reality(?)...