Poems by Azeem S. Khan

Poems by Azeem S. Khan

REMEMBERING TO FORGET

A beautiful world difficult to see Tainted by the people before me. Seeds of judgment and intolerance planted, As the farmers nurture them and wait for their harvest.

Hate—a family tradition. Dishonor, honored by murder and shaming. The children shall suffer and hate— And so the family tradition continues.

I open my mind and ears to my elders, But close my heart to some of their learnt wisdom. I fall asleep knowing that I am an improved model of the ones before me, And dream that the ones to come shall be an improve model of me.

TORTURE

A victorious name with a walk like iron. The presence of a conqueror, with the strength of a lion.

The waves of your hair can calm me down when I’m angry. With your honey-brown skin I can sweeten my tea. Your startling eyes lure me in with a smile so bright that can light my way to sin….

With stolen glances I see your vibrancy. With passing words I know your compassion. From a safe distance I see us together. But I don’t think you know this—and that is torture.

THE EXAMPLE

I sit on the stigma of a Lotus flower, Questioning this life with my Creator. Why am I the Example? A position not chosen, but bestowed upon me. O my loving Creator, Why me? Why me?

My endless nights of mental agony. Emotions riding a unicycle on a cobblestone street. The war for the Real Me. The violation of my body. The disintegration of my family.

My Creator’s love leads me out of captivity. The Wisdom my Creator now shines in my heart, Serves as a lighthouse to guide other ships through the dark. The brighter my light shines, the more I see. Now I comprehend, Why me, why me.

STREETS

As my foot connects with these streets, Its Past, Present and hopeful Future consumes me As I manifest into the person I wish to be. This beautiful tornado has swallowed me.

Its Diversity excites and enraptures me. A Kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. An Orchestra of global voices. All with a tangible power.

These streets paved with an abundance of stories… Some repetitious, others leave you in disbelief. These streets may be jaded and worn But their promises still remain the same.

ALWAYS! ALWAYS! ALWAYS! Dedicated to my brother, Wasim N. Khan

Created by two hearts in love A tumultuous relationship Rooted in brotherly love Woven together by similar and different goals— But you have always nurtured my artistic soul.

Transporting my dreams at 3 and 5 in the morning. Moving mountains late at night so we all can share my grandest night. Encouraging me to never stop. Understanding my need to reach the top. Pulling me back to earth when I need it, And teaching me the responsibilities of being an artist.

You are everything that’s wrong and everything that’s right— And everything in between that brightens my artistic light.

My artistic soul could not survive Without you ALWAYS! ALWAYS! ALWAYS! Standing in the shadow of my spotlight.