Merak Magazine

Winter Warriors

I have examined the night sky. Seen appear the moon, stars, and meteors. During winter’s freeze, Orion, lost in Crete, stands tall, his belt tight, against his waist, hosting the seven sisters , glowing, – Pleiades, bright. And to the…

The Fire

  In the cooling air of the lingering dusk, the flames from the fire-pit clawed higher The steps to the wood-rack, heavy and slow, retrieving more fuel for the pyre Each log, as it’s placed, sends bright sparks in the…

A Street Musician’s Plea

Sure, I screwed up somewhere along the line. But at least I held onto this guitar, even if I can’t afford new strings. And I know some old songs, not from my childhood exactly, but I’m hoping they’re from yours.…

A Feather in the Sun

I no longer hear the footsteps of a stranger from up the street out for a morning weekend walk with a growing little gleeful dog; her footsteps replaced by the continuous fury of a thirsty visitor with wings announcing every…

Golden Giant

Who is sitting in the heavens and staring at me? Who is sitting in the golden palace of tomorrow? Who is smiling? Golden staff in his hand flashes a dazzling light. Ah, the flashes of lightning- interweave over my head……

Ode to the Discarded

While sitting on the curb, I see a rusty old bolt laying on the pavement.   I pick it up, turn it and feel its heft, its cold edges, My fingers now stained orange.   I run fingertips over threads…

Rainbow Chalk

The chalk dissolved on the pavement when the first rains of the year came, Hopscotch trails and stick figures disappearing as the ground turned a deeper grey.   Only the children were disappointed, having to retreat indoors, While the jubilant…

A World Away

Another night scratching my head as I reach for a pencil. Another night spent torturing words in the mind’s muddied trenches, proving that yes you can press money from guile and oil from stone – If you’d just continue squeezing…

Forever Young

My heart is forever young  A divine hymn to be sung I love everyone and always forgive As twice as I take, I always give I try to be nice as possible as I can Of peace and love I…

Her Altruistic Mien

  Have you ever seen a heart Who has love, unconditional? Have you ever met someone Who has given herself so benevolently?   I have. And I keep meeting them. Whenever I talk to a woman Every now and then.…

Unapologetically Me

She frowned into the mirror in frustration as a strand of hair kept falling off the sides of her hijab, The rest of her family contemplating on how she would find it easier, only if she was wearing a niqab.…

Hum

I know how it feels when no one wants you –they won’t leave you alone. They won’t leave you alone. Their downcast eyes look through me. Their reluctance to talk to me engages. The telephone won’t stop not ringing. Their…

Black Hole

She was created the day two stars collided.   Her kiss was black and beautiful. She used to say, love was like smoke and fire which filled her lungs, deadly yet meaningless.   In the moment of his death, he…

Wrong or Right?

Is it wrong to wear my dress above my knees? Or is it right to be bold? If the latter is right why is the former wrong? And if the former is right, why is the latter wrong?    Is…

Stranger

In my house there is a girl impersonating my sister. She speaks like my sister, breathes like my sister, her body is in the languid shape of my sister. But she is not her.   At night I see her…

Simplicity

Simplicity, That is what’s calling me Nature’s longevity Watching so stealthily.   Simplicity, That is who calls to me. Minimal tendencies Saving serenity.   Simplicity, Silent sweet reverie Blending eternities, Losing all gravity.   Simplicity, Wholesomeness remedy.