Dejection: My Ode Poem by Shahzada Imtiaz Ali

I stepped on the stage, felt noble and chic,
Returned with nothing — weary and weak.
Spoke with travelers: "What is it you seek? "
They smiled and replied, "It's just what you pick."

I met a wise man, sailed far on a ship,
Wandered through gardens — heard crickets chirp.
Reached for the moon, clung tight to its grip,
But the sun gave no light, and I slipped in the slip.

I searched the world, took no rest,
My hair turned gray — no sign of conquest.
I searched and searched, like preparing a test,
Hope was fading… till agony felt best.

Agony — my friend, my wish, my flame,
You walk with me, untouched by shame.
Stay with me through every crash,
My pact with you: I'll bear each splash.

But optimism still stirs my soul,
A hope that never lets me fall.
O Allah! You're my only rope —
May Eden be my final goal.

Shahzada Imtiaz Ali
15-07-2008