The hazy mirrors of my unconscious Recognise your reflection When you come with subtle steps Strengthening acquaintance with me. You have no face, no shape, no contour, But the spirit of you is known to me, Known for long, you dear recognition, A dear dear fellow of mine; So loyal, so rich and enriching, Bequeathing me always with the best you hold, The best of the griefs! I no longer get perturbed With the notion of you Wriggling towards me; I welcome you With the best of mine. You can take away from me All you need, My happiness, my pleasures and my breath! But contentment is not to cede. I saw you in partings and departings, I saw you in disease and in death, I saw you in the shattering of my dreams, I saw you in times, standing before me, When eyes showed the ruin but no man; In hours of loneliness, I saw thee. Loneliness! Which perturbed God And He created You, me and all the universe To play the game Of granting Will. I accept thee, With that granted Will; You be with me, Until He wants to see! The writer is currently pursuing Masters in English Literature at Government College University, Lahore and can be reached at zainabhashmi95@gmail.com Published in Daily Times, January 27th 2018.