Written piece
Paradise on Earth
Farrukh Altaf
India
About this piece
My submission to the Commonwealth quilt is a thread that is an 'invitation' to experience the magic of Kashmir, rightly known as "Paradise on Earth".
Of good deeds and
bad, you would’ve
heard, how they land
you up, in heaven
or hell, as you bid
final adieu to land,
but if you ever,
need inspiration, my
friend, as all right
actions do need, you
come to me, take
a peek, to take you
through heavens to seek.
For my beauty is
not worldly, my charm
in itself is a ceremony .
With each passing season,
I present definitions in plenty,
of enchanting scenery.
A valley of vanilla,
a snowy whitewash, to grief
and sorrow, a falling
myriad of light weighed
blessings, a fog of flakes,
and slopes of slippery stakes.
When the billowing smoke
from fireplace and chimneys,
flattens, it’s right time
my friend, to get awed,
by tiniest forms of new
life, balls of blossom,
of apricots, of apples,
of pears, of almonds,
of cherries, of tulips,
in gardens and altitudes above.
The hues, the vastness,
the variety that decorates,
will sweep you in wonder!
As with adulthood, comes
wisdom, so will you experience,
full blown picturesque charm
forthwith.
Velvety verdant meadows,
undulating like a flowing
gown, wildflowers and
pines, their embossed,
shimmering crystals.
Jhelum and it’s accomplices,
in full force, gushing
and ballet dancing with
smoothened boulders, will
humble you away,
slowly and gradually,
the tempo will fall,
and a new facade
will present, in
the fall.
I would call it
the golden hour, whilst
mighty chinars will
present amber and gold red
canvas, a royal signature,
on ground, while dead,
they treat your auditory
faculties, their crunch,
will echo in your ears,
long after you return.
I my friend, am
the land of saffron,
of chinars, of beauty,
of culture, of heritage.
I am the
Paradise on Earth,
I am Kashmir!