To The Tyrants Of The World Poem by Matloob Bokhari

TO THE TYRANTS OF THE WORLD
Once, I saw an old man, a portrait of sorrow,
Hunger- stricken, shoeless, shabbily dressed.
The man in pain sitting on a time- worn rug.
Containing scenes of moments of a monarch.
In scenery, a garden overlooking a castle:
A maiden, as an apple, sitting beside the king;
Damsels, holding tambourines dancing in joy;
In lily-cups, luscious blonde pouring wine;
Some sapphire-blue casks of wine on a table.
Finding me absorbed, the old man whispered,
'Do you want it? ' 'Yes, I adore it.' I replied.
Presenting me, the man rose up in distress.
On reaching home, I thought of washing it.
As washed, colours went, revealing a grisly tale.
Some maidens being dragged by sturdy soldiers;
Specter-thin children were dying of thirst;
An old woman wailing in a ruined house.
The garrotter executing freedom fighters;
Ah! Flogged in the name of religion and faith.
A poet, a liberty lover, kissing gallows.
Many a scalp scattered here and there;
As looked deeper, tyrant was same old man.
Horror-stricken, rushed to return the rug.
Seeing, he said, ' knew you would not like it.'
Asked, ' Why cruel man like you; poet like me? '
He said, 'I am same portrayed in scenes.
During my rule, I crushed everyone;
Smoked pipe of peace; cared not for misdeeds.
I am destined to languish until all the people,
Killed come again and enjoy the fruit of life.'
Looking at me, the old man said in pain,
'You are same slammed to death on my orders'.

COMMENTS: TO THE TYRANTS OF THE WORLD
Kristine Nicholson: The tyrant rules over all the waters, but the desert in his heart makes him forever thirsty! Yes, you have presented the picture within strong lines of truth. Very moving. Thoughtful - that a tyrant must undo the damage to all he harmed. Would that this were true for all tyrants and the all suffering could be undone so that those who felt pain could be reborn into the joys of life. Love and Light to You, , Matloob! You remain very humble. No need to be humble! Your works are wonderful!
Shareef Abdur-Rasheed: Assalaamu alaykum ahkiMatloob.Wonderful piece ahki.Masterfully crafted. I visualized it as i read the piece. In reality i wish all those bastards never become 'Old Men'!
Marietta Mardirossian: I always read your poems, your words are always heart touching, I admire how your ink flows so beautifully, YOU ARE SHINING AS THE SUN. I LOVE THE WAY YOU PUT UR WORDS JUST IN THE RIGHT PLACES.. Matloob you seem to be god to create world out of love.Matloob you seem to be god to create world out of love?
Farzana Altaf: Touching, endearing, honest and true are some words I could use to describe what you have written.. This is marvelous, and insightful awesome imagery. That makes other pay attention to your words.....(aDavina has said poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen
Scott Goodell: Wow! Matloob! What a multi-layered piece of poetic art! Beautiful and deep!
Jann Gail Jones: Whoa! Matloob, , this one is deep and thought provoking. Too often people read words of a poem, hear a sermon, read a book and put others in the place of the 'Tyrant.' I believe it is our duty to see ourselves in everything we read and hear. We all should examine the self and see where we have been the tyrant in life. We can change no one but ourselves. Peace begins with us
Cathleen R McCormick: Wonderful story and makes one really take stock of life. Cat
Isabelle Black Smith: Fabulous story. So enlightening. wonderful tale.
Tisha Emberton: You are a genius with imagery! I love how the poem begins with the facade of this beautiful imagery of a kingdom, then also as it unfold the truth of what the villagers must face at the rule of the king. This poem is brilliant! It is the best poem I've read in a while. You, my friend, are an amazing poet! This is my favorite poem by you. :)
Arjad Hussain: I have no words to express my views about this beauty... Such an adore able poem... Love it.
Michele Vizzotti-White: You do such a good job w/ pianting the picture w/ your insighful and colorful words :)

Vineet Mehta: Keatsian phraseology shows influence of the romantics......
Kristen Scott: Always, moving imagery, picturesque and thought provoking ~ K.
Tod McNeal: Wow! Matloob! What a multi-layered piece of poetic art! Beautiful and deep! Washing out the truth or truth washing in? Brilliantly provocative...
EmMeilė: A very worthy story to be told, Matloob.
ChaySilvermoon: Very deep and enlightening...well written.
Kristine Nicholson: The tyrant rules over all the waters, but the desert in his heart makes him forever thirsty! Yes, you have presented the picture within strong lines of truth :)
Ann Carruth Donoghue: love the deep meaning and vivid picture you paint with your words, terrific piece x
Ann Carruth Donoghue: love the deep meaning and vivid picture you paint with your words, terrific piece x
Chaitanya Dorwat: Very insightful sir, a very intriguing story... just cant get over the last line...I'm amazed by your genius. :)
Kristine Nicholson: Very moving. Thoughtful - that a tyrant must undo the damage to all he harmed. Would that this were true for all tyrants and the all suffering could be undone so that those who felt pain could be reborn into the joys of life. Love and Light to You, , Matloob! You remain very humble. No need to be humble! Your works are wonderful!
Author DiLinda Hill: I pray that we all take a moment of silence, to honor those that have gone on before us. To explain the pain of life lose and grief, graces me to know what a solider goes through. By reading this again, I pray for mercy. And I will keep reading it over again once again thank you for this honor. ~ God bless the gift of peace. Amen. If I could share this I would post it in every
Arjad Hussain Great: I have no words to express my views about this beauty... Such an adore able poem... I only Love it.
Don Pettross: Awesome manifest...and true patronage...God bless oh brotha' poet for writing this peace!
Author DiLinda Hill: I pray that we all take a moment of silence, to honor those that have gone on before us, I pray for mercy.. ~ God bless the gift of peace.