If Poem by NAYYAR SHABBIR AHMAD

Dear God
Thank you for your invitation

But, before I accept
I wish to query it

There’s someone I know well
He Idolizes you
Honours
And, worships you
Almost all day and all night

Guessed, who?
Yes-him!


But, he doesn’t obey each and every tenet of yours
Ofcourse, you’re the one and only God - etc.
But, I mean...specifically
the one to do with his family and friends
he’s harsh and mean to - especially them
Charity -for him - certainly doesn’t begin with those close to him
Whereas you say, it should

He thinks this highhanded behaviour of his
and his constant worship of You
Will definitely
get him into Heaven
Will it...?

I’m worried
You see
I don’t idolize you
I don’t honour
worship or obey you
And, yet I had hoped -
that being a somewhat
decent and
a rather reasonable person

One day, I’d get a place in Heaven

But, if he’s accepted
as he is
I decline

I decline
absolutely
the invitation
to join your club

Yours sincerely,