NATURE

I look at the sun,

A fiery soul

Eager to burn

In its own blaze.

Its light:

Soothes darkness

Dazzles adamant Eyes

That dare to look into

Its possessive secrets.

I look at the trees

Giving protective shadows,

Laden with fruits,

Humbled in prostration.

I look at the moon

A proud queen bathing

In her own beauty.

I look at the river

Always in a hurry to flow,

Unstoppable,

Craving to meet the sea.

I look at the clouds

Hanging on my head.

Ready to melt

And shower drops

Of mercy

To quench thirst.

Shah Jehan Begum Ashrafi was born in U.P., India, and grew up in Mauritius. She studied English and French literature at the University of Mauritius. After completing her postgraduate degree in education at the Mauritius Institute of Education, she taught English, French, and literature in various secondary schools. She wrote several plays for the National Drama Festival in Mauritius. Her first published work is a study guide to Arthur Miller’s play ‘All My Sons’. Writing poetry is her passion, and she is also working on a novel and some short stories. She was on the editing panel of Rajeshwari Chauhan’s novel ‘Daniel’s Diary’. Now the author lives in Canada and wishes to take up other jobs and widen her experience and knowledge. Shah Jehan Ashrafi completed her Master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Montreal.