Karachi, I’m Sorry

O city! You are dying.
I am sorry, I can not save you.
But I can never hate you,
For it is I who stands silent amid the murder.

O city! You are dying.
I am sorry, I watch in quietude,
I know that you are calling
Aloud; but I do not listen.

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry, I sit in comfort.
I am sorry, for I do nothing,
As I watch you die each day.

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry that I let you,
I love you, but I can not save you,
Or rather, I do not try.

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry, all I do is write,
My verse has lost its rhythm
Along with the beating of your heart,

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry for being a hypocrite,
I am sorry, I let you loose your lives,
While mine remains useless at home.

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry for not showing I care.
But there’s a fear that always stops me,
From trying to do what I should.

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry for not doing all that I can.
People blame you and I am sorry,
I am unable to defend you.

O city! You are dying,
I am sorry, I am stubborn,
But this stubbornness gives me hope,
Dear city! I will not forsake you.

O city! You shall convalesce,
I will not leave you alone,
Little by little, I will help,
I will be standing right next to you.

O city! You are dying, but I will not let you die.
My Lord is watching,
And I am answerable.
We will contrive a way.

O city! You are of lights,
We will not let your lustre die.
If people break the lights,
We shall light our own lanterns.

O city! You are dying,
But you’re still glistening with hope,
One day, O city!
You will shine brighter than ever!