THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

Does this happen in your jungle or just the case at mine?

Is the wolf in you put to cages and the bird not wanting to chirp?

Is the weeping willow still entertaining, the norms of this world?

Is it bowing to the waters, not wanting the world to witness its falling tears

while embodying all the pains and fears?

Is the candle consuming its light or dissipating with all its might?

Will the pain turn to numbness or would the woods wander for change?

While the weeping willow wonders if it’s love for water would consume it or make it reign..?

But oh how the waters whisper that the willow wood was meant to make magic wands..

And stay afloat while the world drowns..

The willow’s wisdom was whispered for the weakened to cross waters while finding strength

And for the light Warriors to ascend

So witness yourself as the wondrous willow, that re sprouts when cut.

Your woods have the strength,

Strength to cast a spell.

Your inner resilience has a way to bring change

So go make magic

as you’ve let Magic make you

And weep not my wondrous willow..

But teach what you can while the world is under your pillow

Maybe the willow tree was always at war with the wuthering winds and withering world

Maybe the weeping willow just bent to not break. It’s resilience was hard for them to take.

Maybe You never lost if you’re still trying hard to wake.

-By khwabida_ki_parvaaz