Banaana Aman Ki Aag'hi (Creating Peace Thru Understanding) Poem by Nabeela Black

Oh Pakistan!Khoobsarat Zaberdast Jaberdasti - Zindabad!
Beautiful, Dangerous, Willy Nilly - may the land of the pure have long long life!
In Islamabad I come to find that monuments of grandeur give peace of mind for just a moment of time
Too soon I hear falsehood of "my house if your house anytime".
The joke of friends "hospitality" is surely all mine.

Gujranwala was grand, overwhelming surprising day.
Youth shared hearts thru drawings, poetry, songs and a play!
Young and old, rich and poor, Sikh, Muslim, Christian joined with one voice
To Make Some Room, ease on over, and make a way where many say there is no way.
Remembering Peshawar children martyred, even the military could not save.

Then things go missing, again questions raised, is everyone blind?
People to People aaman ki aag'hi now seems hard to find.

Leaving Gwa sights and sounds still amaze.
Long into the night showers of neon lights ablaze.Dodging bikes piled high through a heavy haze.
Miss the bus? No problem! Race thru three lanes, hold breath, jump -someone's hand will catch and save!
Or stop to change clothes in middle of traffic ignoring signals, donkeys fighting and school boys gaze.

Finally Lahore, Mughul Ghanzi for sure!
Mandela model of peace decorates the entrance door.
Students proud and eager talk of reconciliation and no more war.
Coloring carefully, light and dark emotions appear.
Giggles as gasps as boys & girls use creativity to shyly sit in pairs.
What amazing pieces of the peace puzzle they become, connecting people far and near.

But truth is canvas and paints never came - so full potential was denied, ignored, what a shame!
Looking out upon Lahore: can human rights truly be in our sight?
The need of time is unity, stop divisions, jealousy and lying.
How can good progress when their own keep youth down? I keep sighing!
Still teachers hope and parents pray; children press toward higher goals and brighter days.

O Pakistan, for you I pray!
When so many believers do wrong, what will God say?

Beyond words, marvelous Multan!
So sad to spend only one night with the Khans.
Best of strong families, gracious and caring; happy memories forever sharing.
Peaceful ride into the countryside to meet young Fellows committed to ending conflict and deep divides;
Please believe we(Muslims)want to make the world right!
Each of us feel our small part has effect full and strong…..surrounded by such scenery what can go wrong?
Goodbye to the city of shrines, bata, bananas, falooda and more…. simply no time to truly enjoy.

Sweet turns sour again as receipts deceit uncover.
But thru this worst I found the best men - Albert, Pervaiz and Asher…..and so the Spirit awakes in me again!
Daily we raise the roof with Hallelujahs and praise; but outside armed guards have to remain.
O Pakistan, did not Jinnah proclaim "freely enter mosque, temple or church"
Tell me, has the Constitution changed?
So for this too I pray: do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God
Or fear His judgment of shame.

Yohounabad - the Gills, Sagar, my son from , sharing happy family time.
Delicious dal and Paki hamburg so fine while talking of Germany, USA and Pakistani pride.
Where is the best place to live, work and survive?
Can so many different people reach aman ki aag'hi and help each other through life?
Our hope is another Christ Church bombing never happens, but love will arise!
Sad that once again the night flew by.But yes yes on my return for days on end we'll tour on motorbike rides.

Til then, all these old and new friends - come to Delaware and see hospitality from this end.

O Pakistan! Khoobsarat Zaberdast Jaberdasti - Zindabad!
Beautiful, Dangerous, Willy Nilly - may the land of the pure have long long life!

Nov14,2017