Lonely Fool. Poem by Ibrar Siddiqi

I wonder the streets at night.
Seeing couples in love.
Eyes agaze, at each other.
Like the stars above.
Or like the sun orbiting the moon.
I am just a silly man.
Lonely and reclusive.
Not hanging onto the past.
I want to be loved like in the old movies.
Star crossed lovers.
Waiting for that first kiss.
That longing look, the kiss and loving embrace.
Cut away to the follwoing day when lconfessed.
When men were men and women better dressed.

My favourite movie, 'Its a wonderful life'
Showed a man on the edge.
An angel called Clarence.
Showed a man his destiny.
I made some sacrfices.
For the sake of others.
Never took the road less travelled.
To help my close ones.
Today marked a start where I will always be a doormat.
Like a faithful butler on beck and call.
But it is hard to rehabilitate.
When I am this old.
I wear a mask to hide my fears.
Sometimes a grown man will nver admit to shed tears.
But I could never love anyone, I am too institutionlised.

Will always be an old fool.
Never the groom.
Just the caretaker left after the wedding.
Clearing up after someone's happiness.
Feelings of inadequancy and regret.
Read these lines and do not fret.
Take the road lesstravelled and listen to your feelings.
Better to love than to be lonely.
Remember this poem and pray for my heart.


I Siddiqi 28/02/2009