Do we exist?

They all sit on a long table
dressed up with utmost formality
for a briefing so important
the room is dark
dark images
dark maps
dark desires dyed the event.

Briefing starts
General, Mullas, Politicians all smiling
weird smile on their faces
at times they become serious
as if concerned
or anxious for me?
perhaps I am wrong!
I know I am wrong!

Generals.....
wearing war medals
praising their bravery
About a war they never won
Mullas - kajal in their eyes
flattering , gratifying their Iman, their faith
God knows how faithful they are!
Politicians
boasting their wisdom
God knows how wise they are!

They mean business
they all agreed
blissfully happy,
on a point
or a word
on my blood and your blood.

But I am wondering
why do they need it?
blood needs existence.......
Do we exist?
and we exist when we see
when we feel!
Do we have eyes?
or empty sockets that hold images captive.....?

Our skin is no longer our skin
this heart is no longer my heart
who speaks from the bottom of this heart?
Me?
but I am already dead.....!
and dead men don't dream
and they don't talk
and they don't cry,
they only ask forgiveness......!!!




(Farid Gul, London, May 23, 2009)