What Shall I Write Poem by Showkat Ahmad Wani

Again my pen awakes to write—but what?
And naught! Upon grief's door shall write a word
Of joy, or paint the spring on snow-clad roofs,
And sketch Chinary chill on scorching groves,
Or heaven's vale to hell's own depths of gore,
Or gentle lamb to wild beast in rage,
Or music sweet to yells of pain and woe,
And gentle breeze to wind of winter wild,
Or words of trust to bitter wrath betray,
And silent plots of choice to dreadful yards,
Or vivid flower lawn to store of bombs,
And turn bright streets into a pool of blood,
And honeyed babe into a lifeless toy,
And write a soothing touch to plug-in shock,
And script of treaty to voice of gripe,
Or natural peace to forced calm of tongue,
And factual worthy man to statesman,
Or poets turned to mystics, mystics, poets,
Or write a life to death, and death to life,
I write and write to reach each longing soul,
On countless themes and thoughts both deep and vast,
And countless words before He knocks the door.
(2000)