Can It? Can We? Can I? Poem by Fahad Witchking

Can a tree flourish?
When the air and soil are polluted.
Can it bear wholesome fruits?
When poison courses through its veins.

Can a flower bloom?
If maggots have eaten its bud.
Will a butterfly collect pollen from it?
If its petals are hideous.

Can a pen write beautifully?
If the hand holding it is crooked.
Can it pen down ideas (words of wisdom) ?
If the writer’s heart is hollow.

Can the heart feel love?
If it only knows pain and disappointment.
Can a wound feel the sting of salt?
If it has grown numb of pain.

Can birds fly gracefully in the sky?
If it is poison they breathe.
Can a person be healthy?
If he had poison (when he grew up) .

Can I smile sincerely?
When I am reminded of the scars of the past.
Can I hope for a normal life?
When I was born disfigured.