Author Information
STORM WATCH (Renga/collaboration with Deborah Russell).
Stanzas begin with MUHAMMAD NAVEED AHMED, responses by DEBORAH RUSSELL.
Naveed:
stormy waves lash
horizon unseen
how to reach out for my goal?
Deborah:
waves rage stormy seas
awaken and beckon
a small bird to flight.
Naveed
tight-roped
thunder growls with fury
how will the bird fly higher?
Deborah:
dark clouds are stormy
thunder orders directions
on wind bird takes wing.
Naveed:
weather is envious
ominous flash
take caution O bird of spring!
Deborah:
Al Yasa* winds speak
tiny bird listens to dreams
safe haven is found
Naveed:
tempest warns
haven may be far
are not some dreams deceptions?
Deborah:
from time beginning
prophetic winds and dreams
adhere to the light
Naveed:
light flirts with darkness
hope returns
but why tempt the unkind ghouls?
Deborah:
wind lashes windows
dark storm knocks on doors
without invitation
Naveed:
scene frightens
courage comes with hope
Why should I give up so soon?
Deborah:
strong waves invade shores
peace notion unreconciled
who signs the treaty?
Naveed:
harsh cackle pierces the cracks
heart is a rainy spot
let trust help.
Deborah:
trust is deceptive
mirrors cloud become dusty
yet truth does reveal
Naveed:
chain lightning
rips apart the frail feathers
yet trust is a nest.
Deborah:
troops thunder the sky
numerous clouds swords strike
they dull against shield.
Naveed:
rain drenched bird
collapse can still be averted
by taking heed?
Deborah:
bird bathes in the sun
gathers new straw and feathers
weaves another nest.
Naveed
Tempo of storm
Scares 'Cygnus' away
is this bird so brave, daring?
Deborah:
small bird takes flight
through long winding journey
dares tempest to soar
Naveed:
cloud mountains
life's trembling moments
O bird, why take risky flight?
Deborah:
unknown perils of flight
storms ahead and obstacles
destinations known
Naveed:
strong trees fall
ocean stares angrily
isn't Olympus smiling?
Deborah:
olympus smiles
master breaks tartar-us dream
the seas are silent.
Naveed:
Air is calm
my vision scans horizon
the bird has won the battle.
Deborah:
with strength and valour
victory births a new sun
the phoenix rises.
Naveed:
warmth around
bird descends smoothly
The lofty ideals reached.
