Poems by Ameen Fayaz

In the Colony of my Mind

Living and thinking in the colony of my mind

I construct images of people living around

I give them colours and I give them races

In the chains of classes I bind them forever

I manufacture slaves in the colony of my mind

I fantasize about virgin pastures in the colony of my mind

From this colony mind start the horrors

That divide and wreak havocs

In the narrow lanes of this colony

That is full of thorns and ill will

Enemies and others are constructed and fought against

Hell lives in this colony itself if it is not liberated

Heaven can be experienced there if it is purified

From this colony itself Hitler started his ill designed march

Once liberated, great souls are  also born

This colony is a jungle of ideas

This colony is also the paradise of peace

When it’s others it is very dangerous

When it loves it is the most beautiful

Oft alone when I think

I think and think and think without any end

And find many fatal paths to tread in this colony

Which if not distracted by the Divine Word

Can make me the worst under the sun

The colony of the mind needs to be liberated!

I Still Possess You

How does it matter that I do not possess you?

I still possess you without any possession

In my mind, in my heart

I have niches only for you

Among the stars and the moon

I have reserved space only for you

In the mirror of Jhelum river

I do not see my face but you

In the crowds of people

My eyes search your shadow and find you in every face

How does possession matters?

I possess you though I do not have you!

In the mountains of Kashmir valley

When Musical waters lull me to sleep

I hear you talking to me and soothing my pain!

For me there exist no barriers and boundaries

They are all constructions of human mind

When I remember you

That is the biggest satisfaction I have

When I am distracted

That is the horror of all horrors!

Oft away when I go

In search of peace for the colony of my mind

It is your remembrance that HOLDS ME aloft

At least for a moment

At least for a day

I live in your memory

In a forced forgetfulness of all

I possess you

Even though I am far far away from you!

Ameen Fayaz is an Assistant Professor of English with University of Kashmir (north campus), Delina Baramulla, Kashmir, India.