Read Poetry: On The Gates Of “Heaven”, by Shahbaz Khan

Is there where the gentle breeze blows?
Is there where the sparkling river flows?
Is this where Cupid hides?
Is this where happiness resides?

Nay, this is where storms rage!
Nay, this is where floods cause carnage!
Nay, this is where Orcus slays families!
Nay, this is where sadness causes casualties!

But I was told this was Eden,
That this is where food and wine are laden!
And I was told that this was where my sorrow ends,
Where the stream is clam, and there are no more tight bends.

Nothing but lies you speak about,
Happiness is a hoax, in that there is no doubt!
Deceit in the world is in plentitude,
There is only gain and loss, no favor and gratitude.

I hope in my heart that you don’t speak the truth,
That there is good, and not just poisonous fruit.
Though my mind knows I hope in…