IF I LOOK by Shamima Raihan Manzoor

I believe that, as humans, we are constantly shaped by the many happenings and views we acquire in our lives…

Sometimes these can then give rise to certain realizations, which can then further give new meanings to our ordinary happenings, leaving us with serene feelings. But sometimes, for some of us, the sense of serene feelings is beyond our reach. 

In this poem I reflect on my past, my present and the indefinite future of my life by looking at happenings in my life differently. 

If I Look

by Shamima Raihan Manzoor

If I look at the sky, why do I feel shy?

Because it makes me realize how tiny am I.

If I look at my past,

It makes me realize why everything runs so fast.

If I look at my family,

It makes me realize how we grew up happily.

If I look at my profession,

It always thrives me to deliver with perfection.

If I look at homeless people,

I feel lucky and more and more grateful for what I have.

If I look at the tears of pain in anyone’s eyes,

I feel like all talks of peace and development are sheer lies.

If I look at the oceans,

It makes me wonder why we are so overwhelmed with emotions.

After the noisy days when I close my eyes at night,

I feel like I have done nothing for this world that could truly shine bright.

Shamima Raihan Manzoor Although my academic disciplines are Marketing and Business Management, I see myself as a continuous learner forever. I carry on with many thoughts in mind but I am new in writing. I wish to express them sometimes with whatever words and forms I can manage. While in a student I used to occasionally write for my university's magazine. I was born in Bangladesh but later moved with my family to Saudia Arabia, where I spent my childhood. There I got the chance to get close to people from the Middle East. Then, in my adulthood, I had to move to Malaysia for studies and employment. As a result of meeting many good people from different countries I became fascinated with poetries in Urdu, Persian and—of course—with Tagore’s poetry, in my native tongue. In my personal life I enjoy reading, writing and love to follow an organic lifestyle. Currently I am living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, surrounded by natural beauty. 

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