Lightning strikes
a cacophony of events
blinding the desert for two seconds.
The fir tree stands positive
in the glow of unadulterated passion.
I capture the moment
thumbs nimble heart racing
I capture the fir tree
by the lightning
so blue and so yellow and so dark
standing resonantly in place
occupying meagre land
yet owning it with pride
straight backed and warm handed
I lean towards the fir tree
I could die.
Today, tomorrow, next year
My ashes could be spread all over the earth
Yet this fir tree will keep standing forever
A soldier in the battle field.

-- Nabeela Altaf