Karachi Poem by elna mercado

Karachi, Karachi,
The place so distant, arid and dusty.
The streets are strange, eerie and empty.
I walked through the roads,
I saw men hopping like toads,
Gaping, staring, pinching me!
Nervous, confused and angry,
I hurried to end my journey.
My thoughts screamed,
Where are the women: girls and ladies? ? ?
They're nowhere in the streets
But i felt they're somewhere,
Peeking and witnessing the saga
Of the female in me! ! !
What a sight for them to see
Unveiled ignorant poor woman,
At the streets I'm not supposed to be,
Dressed in mini skirt, lashed must I be.

Karachi, Karachi
Your skies are glaring,
White, blue but dashing.
Your scorching sun,
Shrieking with the heat,
It boils the moist under my feet!
Oh where, nowhere will I go
To wander, ponder and be free!
The bustle and dazzle of the city,
Thumping and exciting my curiosity.
The colorful array of spices,
Fruits, nuts and veggies,
Concoct domineering scent
That rouse the indifference in me.
For now my ignorance isolate me!

Karachi, Karachi,
The women in simmering shalwar camiz,
With gold bangles even at their ankles,
Precious stones on their fingers, ears and nostrils,
Women and children, so adorned and sheltered! ! !


Karachi, Karachi.
The donkeys are burdened and overworked with glee,
Hauling, transporting goods at the never ending market day.
Its strength and patience, the resource so indispensable, i see.
But nothing, nothing can make a donkey move if it need not be! ! !


Karachi, Karachi.
The camels are decorated with bells, glitters and a mounted chair.
It sits to take a rider, when it stands don't get thrown into the air.
High above a bumpity ride I dare with its stinking breath, i swear!
It walks graceful and meek but never ever provoke its temper! ! !

Karachi, Karachi
It rain no rain in the city within the desert
But storms sand from dunes not far away.
Treeless beach as far as eyes can see,
Cool mists blown from the tranquil sea.
Now i must find home within thee
Facing the horizon, you promise me!

860420 elna