LEISURE

by AZRA MARIYAM
(UAE )

WHAT IS THIS LIFE, IF FULL OF CARE
WE HAVE NO TIME TO STAND AND STARE

NO TIME TO STAND BENEATH THE BOUGHS
AND STARE AS LONG AS SHEEP OR COWS

NO TIME TO SEE, WHEN WHEN WOODS WE PASS
WHERE SQUIRRELS HIDE THEIR NUTS IN GRASS

NO TIME TO SEE IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
STREAMS FULL OF STARS LIKE SKIES AT NIGHT

NO TIME TO TURN AT BEAUTY'S GLANCE
AND WATCH HER FEET HOW THEY CAN DANCE

NO TIME TO WAIT TILL HER MOUTH CAN
ENRICH THAT SMILE HER EYES BEGAN

A POOR LIFE THIS,IF FULL OF CARE
WE HAVE NO TIME TO STAND AND STARE.