Author: afzal
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Remembrance
Every year, on December 25th, Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Pakistan, a social organization for Pakistanis in Norway, celebrates the birth of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Here, the general secretary, Muhammad Anwar Soofi, is watching a video being projected on the wall of the basement-hall rented for the evening.
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Best Wishes
On this eve of another new year, I offer my best wishes to you. May the coming year bring you joy and happiness, and success and prosperity. Life is full of ups and downs, and never seizes to surprise. May the surprises be joyful, and nudge you closer to fulfillment of your dreams. Some things…
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Alone
I am sure the nights are not really longer. It’s just that I miss you the most during the small hours of the morning when I lie awake tossing and turning. I am sure the winter is not really colder. It’s just that I don’t have your warm embrace to comfort me during those chilly…
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Monster
You always wear a mask, because if removed, people will see you as a monster. You know you stand out when you hide your face like that, but it is still better than to be hunted for who you are. A small mistake, and you will discover that the road from love to hate is swift…
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Summer of 2014
I remember the warm sweaty nights and the long hungry days. I remember the busy early mornings, the lazy afternoons, and the restless evenings. I remember the prayers, the good intentions, the virtues and my sins. And the hope for forgiveness. I remember the desire to grasp purpose, and to embrace it. I remember longing…
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Life (part 2)
Life is rules. Your own, or others’, no matter where they come from. And living by those rules. Moment by moment. Breath by breath. As time passes by. Life is compromise. In anything and everything that comes your way. It’s the grey mix of realities rather than the black and white of dreams. Life is…
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Celebration
On May 17th, Norway celebrates the 200th anniversary of its constitution, and, as usual, the children’s parades form the central elements of the national celebration all around the country. In the capital Oslo, the children are in for a treat as according to tradition, all the city’s elementary schools parade past the King’s palace, where…
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Two Planets
From the very first time I read this poem, I knew I was going to blog it. I just wasn’t sure when. As time passed by, it kept changing. Drawing energy from events around me, and from me. Always draping itself with shades of sadness somehow familiar if I only dared to slip beneath the…
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Goodbye
I pray that when you read this, you are safely on the other side of the ocean. It was good to have you here as always. Remember that I will always be eagerly awaiting your next visit, in whichever season it may be. And always receive you with a big smile. Take with you all…
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Perfection
Your carefree smile, your tears of frustration. Your playful laughter, your heart-rending cries. Your repertoire of sounds, your unambiguous communication. Your drive to explore, your fear of the unknown. Your boldness and trust in your abilities, your confidence in me. Your defiance and determination, your obedience and cooperation. Your anger and resilience, your unconditional love.…
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