**near To Heart Poem by Sadiqullah Khan

Familiarity sounded as near to heart
The path wrought with difficulties
When cold crust would fall on spirit
The distance from the valley to learn
Strides were made in prevalence
Ignorance rooster would wake the call
Fate had destination when the stars
Fortune was to come but before
Into ashes the self intact for the pledge
Not known to others but he knew
Was called upon the shores to honor
Risen on the knowledge of adventure
The first man to set foot on the land
When the waves put the small luggage
Nay the treasure but toils would make
Safer journey when shone the bright sun
I had shared the leather in red with white
My beloved once remarked for the grains
Pouring back stories of discoveries
Pocahontas in legends and farther
Checkered fabric was another memory
Handshake an honor in my town dusty
And then after many years in discovery
Profession was the way in America
The showers with friends once when
Not less than Hummer whence the song
I knew less of what happened on the way
Of a happy union in affairs of love
For the needy and the poor looking upon
Still many like him aspiring the unknown
In humble discourse and bow a gentle
To the south wind when sent the message
Come along and see the world anew
The nobility of cause had at last
To the holy soil he was born upon
Friends of the late night were awake
The zephyr still circulated with aroma
The dawn was left for others to begin
14/4/2009

(Dedicated to Mrs. and Mr. Dr Badshah Jan Wazir, on announcing Aisha Karen Wazir merit scholarship for the students of South Waziristan Agency)