What's The Point? Poem by NAYYAR SHABBIR AHMAD

What’s the point of bringing up the past
Where exactly will it get us?
And, what good will thrashing out days gone by do, anyway?
It won’t change the facts
We both know
that in this rapidly changing world
they’re the only things that will remain
unchanging and static
Because, they happen to be exactly what they happen to be

We’ll just go round and round in circles
Perhaps, get ourselves into a tangle
and, end up hurting each other
by getting our words and thoughts
very, very knotted and twisted

Even if we do talk
in a civilized manner
Yes, we can be civilized
- or, so I’d like to think
what exactly will it achieve?

Can we retrieve anything?
Anything at all?

No, my friend
I think not

Let’s be frank

NOTHING
Not one single thing

Both of us have changed
irrevocably
And unfortunately
neither of us can ever be
what either of us once was

More to the point
neither of us can ever mean
the same to each other
as once we meant

So, I suggest
let’s try to forget

Our past should remain the past
with one distinction from the norm:
It should be remembered and savoured
like some invaluable treasure
Which it is

Our minds will inevitably dwell
perhaps, constantly, at first
on our shared history
So, let our memories be as pleasant
as they, I vouch, deserve to be

“That’s impossible! ” you object
“Absolutely unfeasible!
How can anyone be expected to forget so quickly?
So casually
Especially since no one meant more to one another than you and me? ”

“Everything’s possible, ” I reply
“We’ll retain pleasant memories of times well spent together

If either of us tries to revive an affair
which we both know, is well and truly over
all we’ll be left with is burnt fingers
bruised egos
and a very, very bitter after taste

Is that what you want?
Pushing it to the very limit
Is it? ”

You hesitate
as you let my words sink in

I carry on

“Put it out of your mind
immediately

Just think:
This is the right time to end it
AND LEAVE IT AT THAT.”