To M.
How beautiful to sit beside the sky That's full of stars at night And azure pleasing at day, Cerulean, blue like the water of life. My lady, you are my torch, true to your name, Brighter than the sun that you take in your lap, Pleasing to the eyes like the moon of nights. How I wish I tell the world, O people, I seized the day, gathered the garden Of roses, of rubies, of peace, of happiness. —Srinagar, February 23, 2024