If you would count the number
           (for Sheema)

If you would count the number
of blessings laid by friends in quiet
by your doorstep before they tip-
toe away lest they disturb you
from your deep encumbered thought

they would fill your sea of sorrow
and they would wash the tears
from the river of anguish
that catches your every breath
in this moment of your infinite grief.

For at the end when the clouds part
and the sun radiates its warmth upon
the beauty that we know is your soul

a rainbow will catch your heart
and in the warmth of its colors
laughter and peace shall sing
from your lips in a joy that says
this has ended – it is time for you
to continue now with the living.

Until then we shall wait and occasionally
creep to your doorstep where
we will place our bouquets of blessing
which are known as friendship

and slowly walk quiet away
lest the crows gather to watch
our shadows as we leave.