tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39627171197268191062024-02-19T01:26:04.898-08:00Rabab-WritesRabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-42359604018957472552011-01-06T03:42:00.000-08:002011-01-06T03:42:56.742-08:00Apple Telltales- The Saga of the iPhone 4: Don't Hold it Too Hard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwDEtn8M20Df093f_ZuV6oeqZ3L-BdnjDxhyJhRN-D7oSUHARZZDe7XS1B82ocMQCkKoy3WRyPutiVqb6GoHw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-2616298332469804402011-01-06T00:31:00.000-08:002011-01-06T00:31:04.581-08:00A Question<div style="text-align: justify; width: 133px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I asked,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Love may blight your life,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">cause the light to fade,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">and the days to darken.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A moment's joy,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">a lifetime of pain.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Why do you stay where</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">only sorrows reside?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He replied,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Because</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I love.</div><div><br />
</div></div><div></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-79291048842256217772010-09-27T11:43:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:44:30.254-07:00Awaiting Narcissus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm983Y3SmoTD5a3_5KYRhIOuqkF9S3DVJLj5VHD9jcxxamcRIF0exXmrMVQCWXIgJRTc3BTjCWD8F90_hLuRQe2VEJ93Ccy5_Zrn3VzMgxwU52FEINxwPASUxbLEO0Q97_nUToZdjQ-wc/s1600/ef3c47defc2161d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm983Y3SmoTD5a3_5KYRhIOuqkF9S3DVJLj5VHD9jcxxamcRIF0exXmrMVQCWXIgJRTc3BTjCWD8F90_hLuRQe2VEJ93Ccy5_Zrn3VzMgxwU52FEINxwPASUxbLEO0Q97_nUToZdjQ-wc/s400/ef3c47defc2161d5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-41612698787980969592010-09-27T11:29:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:30:46.604-07:00When I Think<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3T1CeXGAmb3b7Okt2lDt0qT0RhHd0ger1D8GorZOI-xQ5X2SM_W4tluupkr4LMfKcr_w9CcIFrzv8Qfjb4n8YPRxJCE7ffLXQBCnUI62l3W2RON4SYS1RuK6cnwb48-T56fheUW6nmI/s1600/Love+In+Heaven+01+1280X960+Love+Friendship+Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3T1CeXGAmb3b7Okt2lDt0qT0RhHd0ger1D8GorZOI-xQ5X2SM_W4tluupkr4LMfKcr_w9CcIFrzv8Qfjb4n8YPRxJCE7ffLXQBCnUI62l3W2RON4SYS1RuK6cnwb48-T56fheUW6nmI/s320/Love+In+Heaven+01+1280X960+Love+Friendship+Wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
When I think of perfection,<br />
I think about your smile;<br />
When I think of a destination,<br />
I think about your arms;<br />
When I think of peace,<br />
I think about your words;<br />
When I think of you,<br />
I think about heaven.Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-5713789902123401172010-09-26T11:14:00.000-07:002010-09-26T11:19:34.615-07:00Medical History<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxhvLel-2e3WNaTJDKq-9lgefrgFEA9PPnahVNbvh0M04Hhyphenhyphena7tMGYlAjS4ZTQ5plRJSLuRko0HaRHWFC4ljNAyU5A-5P979BCjUwHMzGxvIlY6OOqC8h8UiFtms4RDH8SZo58EqcsVg/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxhvLel-2e3WNaTJDKq-9lgefrgFEA9PPnahVNbvh0M04Hhyphenhyphena7tMGYlAjS4ZTQ5plRJSLuRko0HaRHWFC4ljNAyU5A-5P979BCjUwHMzGxvIlY6OOqC8h8UiFtms4RDH8SZo58EqcsVg/s400/images+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Observing him for the first time since he brought her home, she noticed his bright eyes changed from green to grey and then, a mystifyingly maddening blue. She smiled as he handed her the swirling ochre drink. His room, illuminated by flickering candles positioned carefully around it, was furnished sparingly.</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“Lonely,” she mused; smiling into the alluring spectrum of his eyes as he shyly gazed at her.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“Sometimes,” he sighed nervously, his burnt orange eyes reflecting the wavering flame between them.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">The paraphiliac, intensely aroused, floated over to him and seated herself in his lap. “Tell me,” she cooed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-39195880721213267602010-08-28T06:10:00.000-07:002010-08-28T06:10:14.943-07:00I Am a Failure<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">To you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">My writing has no import,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">My reading no class.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">You make all my words</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Seem like carcasses of thoughts,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">My thoughts </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Irrational whims.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Nothing I do or say</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Is enough to win your respect,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">You would have me love you,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">You tell me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">you love me too.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Your apathy to my desires</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Sometimes makes me wonder,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Do you love me,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Or the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I love you?</span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-25128966946292921792010-08-21T03:59:00.000-07:002010-08-21T03:59:52.067-07:00Dreams and Realities<div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">Your silhouette,<br />
strong against the darkness<br />
of my soul,<br />
Fills my heart<br />
with a yearning<br />
so overwhelming that<br />
I swoon.</div><div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><br />
Your breath<br />
plays with rhythms<br />
in a symphony of<br />
whispers in my ear<br />
reviving,<br />
reinventing,<br />
rejuvenating,<br />
my innermost secrets.</div><div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">Oh, the ecstasy<br />
of first love!<br />
Oh, the fervour<br />
of that first touch!</div><div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">Those moments,<br />
hushed in their decline,<br />
are no more.</div><div style="font-family: tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><br />
Memories,<br />
agonisingly persistent,<br />
remain.</div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-55451273046075136102010-08-19T11:36:00.000-07:002010-08-21T03:46:33.604-07:00Published<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacDRCM91wQDRVKsm64lBeuOlvh873J6kcy5qfMduh9iVVvGwfZ_K9V_Uu5XUHM_RdJDAm4tPI4UII1eqyUW0HLAfPXSYob-a82prjwKlQxC7hw8nyxDJZ5cuz2oQPpCQIMqAg8ewHx4A/s1600/alorsettoilogo1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacDRCM91wQDRVKsm64lBeuOlvh873J6kcy5qfMduh9iVVvGwfZ_K9V_Uu5XUHM_RdJDAm4tPI4UII1eqyUW0HLAfPXSYob-a82prjwKlQxC7hw8nyxDJZ5cuz2oQPpCQIMqAg8ewHx4A/s320/alorsettoilogo1.gif" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://alorsettoi.com/two/2poems_khan.html">Two of my poems at Alors, Et Toi?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mysite.verizon.net/resockeb/e-zine/id9.html">Another one</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://allthingsgirl.net/past/writings/writings-she-by-rabab-khan/">really old one</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://allthingsgirl.net/past/writings/writings-vow-by-rabab-khan/">All things girl</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://allthingsgirl.net/past/writings/writings-dreams-and-realities-by-rabab-khan-2/">All things girl again</a>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-21843997512397516622010-08-19T00:25:00.001-07:002010-08-19T00:25:35.894-07:00Scream<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAKLQUzZl68GPf0CebojoKB0JdZzW1ewvmwCooq3LwaX261YopxLpn9kg7qu-URkyAZ1EBv5OunoDZajWgBhGdFFJhHuKIQRC5a0FRLqZJsSXMfe-jb7Hf41LUx2wSX1Ysj9IsWwHJT7o/s1600-h/frontcover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303406576944513762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAKLQUzZl68GPf0CebojoKB0JdZzW1ewvmwCooq3LwaX261YopxLpn9kg7qu-URkyAZ1EBv5OunoDZajWgBhGdFFJhHuKIQRC5a0FRLqZJsSXMfe-jb7Hf41LUx2wSX1Ysj9IsWwHJT7o/s320/frontcover.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 212px;" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scream: </b>collected poems<span style="font-size: 10px;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Edited by <a href="http://www.editred.com/Jewels" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Jewels Johnson</a> </b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px;">The general consensus in the world of publishing is that people don't want to read poetry any more. Publishers have canonized dead poets and then laid them to rest. Gravestones adorn the shelves of every mainstream bookshop. Meanwhile, the new poets, the new voices have been stifled, reduced to a muffled cry from beyond the catacombs. They are screaming to be heard.<br />
<br />
These poets scream in this anthology<br />
<b><a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/1195291" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</a><a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/1195291">Buy here: $14.95 + P&P</a></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10px;">The Poets</span></b> <a href="" name="authors" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.editred.com/U.V.RAY" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">U.V. RAY</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/tcbswan" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Trace Sheridan</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/TonyfromBenoni" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Toni Lopes</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Tom" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Tom Gant</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/misplacedmind" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Steven Hand</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Sophia" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Sophia Argyris</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/sheabile" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Shea Garrity</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Dunny" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Shannon Dunmyer</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Harris3dgn" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Scott Harris</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/sarapascoe" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Sara Pascoe</a>,<a href="http://www.editred.com/SamiJo" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Samantha Mcquillen</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/rjaye21" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Robert James Egan</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/logicustracticus" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Robert Capps</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/rabableo" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Rabab Khan</span></span></span></span></a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/ThePenguin" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Peter Budvietas</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Violet_Blue" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Paul Coman</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Tayo" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Omotayo Olaoye</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/NicFran" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Nicole Hester-Francis</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/nlinde" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Nick Linde</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/nonalienabductee" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Niccole Segura</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/LittleMike" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Mike Snowdon</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/TequilaTwilight" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Mercedes Dawson</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/waxseal" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Meleina Backhaus</a>,<a href="http://www.editred.com/MEA_da_POET" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;"> Mea Lee Thomas</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/lolly" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Lolly G</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/Esquire%20%0D" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Leo Chasseur</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/history" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Lana Burke</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/LahanaMysteria" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Lahana Mysteria</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/jkaber" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Judy Kaber</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Joni_Ramos" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Joni Ramos</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/Kerosene%20" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">John Arthur</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Jewels" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Jewels Johnson</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/wordsart" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Jenni Meredith</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/jamesgormley" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">James Gormley</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/jackthomas" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Jack Thomas</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/izzye" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Isobel Edment</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/theclearing" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Hayden C. Clear</a>,<a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/theclearing" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">George Wood</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/gsfaust" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Gabrielle Faust</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/fredav" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Freda Veluz</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/schwartzcaster" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Eric Schwartz</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Scarlett" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Dee Toth-Jones</a>,<a href="http://www.editred.com/dnieman" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">David Dannov</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/Beck" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Dan Beck</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/flypaper" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Corey Evans</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/Midden" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Colin Williamson</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/colindardis" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Colin Dardis</a>,<a href="http://www.editred.com/alien" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Cheryl Marren</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/billiethakid" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Billie the Kid</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/menoh" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Antonio Beadall</a>, <a href="http://www.editred.com/books/scream/www.editred.com/annmarie" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Annmarie O'Connor,</a> <a href="http://www.editred.com/Manda" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Amanda Walczesky</a></span></div><div><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-20992831139186365432010-08-18T10:47:00.000-07:002010-08-18T10:52:40.702-07:00Longing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMpDu_2oaDl8SmpOqWndGrUga8ZZ1fYMWrKLGvhtrGJ3bXgagGxbTeFoMqTL4QK2GhtCWwTvM0ZnOl25XirQK8rkgSTxTTQjKTBPBLaQ_7awNGc5W1YlKrtyfr2g2oUvVuFI3zc1-m_0/s1600/manynights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMpDu_2oaDl8SmpOqWndGrUga8ZZ1fYMWrKLGvhtrGJ3bXgagGxbTeFoMqTL4QK2GhtCWwTvM0ZnOl25XirQK8rkgSTxTTQjKTBPBLaQ_7awNGc5W1YlKrtyfr2g2oUvVuFI3zc1-m_0/s400/manynights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-10038887554609881122010-08-18T09:31:00.001-07:002010-08-18T09:33:12.896-07:00Decisions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Darling, you may drown me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">If you wish</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Watch the bubbles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Emerge to the rippling surface</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">From obscure sapphire depths</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Silent evermore</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I shall smile</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">As you vaguely stare.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Darling, you may bury me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">If you wish.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Let the last glitters</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Of earth in your fingers,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Flow down to rest.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Beneath the liberating mounds</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I shall breathe in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The fragrance of your touch.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-38025894080123494052010-08-07T06:21:00.000-07:002010-08-07T06:21:48.397-07:00Dear...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I have something to tell you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You would think it's a rat, roaming around inside the walls. It makes a strange, scratching sound like someone trying to get out. I, of course, will never let it escape. Why should I? It never would come back if I did. I feel better with it trapped inside the substantial walls of my house, always moaning and screeching to be let free again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Some nights, I lie awake listening to it beseeching me and I snort at its desperation. Oh, what consolation I feel hearing it hammering away at my walls. My walls are too thick to be broken, too strong to be penetrated and too tight to let it breathe easily. The joy! I can sometimes feel it carousing through my whole being like cool silver, energising my very soul. I rub my hands in triumph for what I have achieved is something no mortal could ever do. It is the thought of this victory that keeps me going through life.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">In the supermarket, I sympathise with all the people hounded by theirs, for mine is locked up. I see them hustle from corner to corner, from shelf to shelf with their kids and their problems all in one, big parcel. Outside, everyone is in a scurry to get somewhere. Me? I just saunter along nonchalantly, smiling at the drivers honking in the traffic jam. I am in no hurry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Tonight, it wants to talk to me. It reminds me about everything I'm missing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">"You have to let me move on! This is not the way it was meant to be," it argues.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">"I don't think so!" I reply with a smirk. "You must learn what it's like to wait. You must wait...for me!"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">It persists. "You don't understand! Think about all the changes that have happened...."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I interrupt it, "What changes? I'm the same and nothing has changed." I blissfully tell it about my life and the serenity that I now feel.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">It is frustrated soon and starts its banging and screeching again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I am happy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">One fall evening, when the ground was thick with leaves as yellow as a dead man, I had decided to get rid of it. Nothing could touch me after I had bolted that door. Since then, I have been bold, for I had thrown in all my fears of tomorrow with it. I no longer have them to keep me stirring at night. I now sleep tranquilly when I want to. I have no appointments to keep. I have no one to wait for.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">It is talking again. With a festering tongue and a voice hollowed with my barrenness, it begs me. My ears take in the whining and my senses are fed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Somewhere, inside me, a voice still calls occasionally. A voice from happier days, a voice from before that fall evening. It asks me to move on. It has become easier to drown it now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You can't hurt me anymore with your almond eyes, your enthralling smile and all that you took away with you into the grave that fall evening. Unseen leaves float noiselessly to the ground and it is always autumn for me.</span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-48979801759733565242010-08-07T06:01:00.000-07:002010-08-07T06:01:44.491-07:00Self Deception<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Why do you tell me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Not to love you so?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">It seems</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">My love is a burden that weighs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Down on your shoulders,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">But I believe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">What seems,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Is not what is.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4X2JnBO0EQjzqBTjMdwQN-hKniNOxbJ1etODLUEoo6erZXrEBxPoh5Hlcu2WaG4v0dP6yKwNwtm8G2TkgcxSU2p7tnF3Oy-c7Dn26qsN9Nmw-hFjD8PrTO52ShxXhFNcOEXCKaEQMAU/s1600/Trapped1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4X2JnBO0EQjzqBTjMdwQN-hKniNOxbJ1etODLUEoo6erZXrEBxPoh5Hlcu2WaG4v0dP6yKwNwtm8G2TkgcxSU2p7tnF3Oy-c7Dn26qsN9Nmw-hFjD8PrTO52ShxXhFNcOEXCKaEQMAU/s400/Trapped1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-91460327409749881462010-08-07T05:29:00.000-07:002010-08-07T05:29:50.944-07:00Father Part 4<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify; width: 426px;">' He is really well-dressed and graceful,' she thought as he knocked at<br />
the door. She was so engrossed in watching him that she didn't realise<br />
it had been five minutes since he had been standing there.<br />
<br />
'Mother, Uncle Sikander still hasn't opened the door,' she shouted.<br />
<br />
Maybe a bit too loud because the young man turned around and looked<br />
straight at her. She whipped away from the window and blushed when she<br />
realised that he most probably thought she had been ogling him. She<br />
was startled by the ring of the doorbell. She peeped out of the window<br />
and the young man had vanished. Incredulously, she opened the door and<br />
saw the young man with a worried look on his face.<br />
<br />
' Um, I was wondering if you could help me?' he hesitated.<br />
<br />
'Who is it?' asked her mother from the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Shamim looked at the young man and he said ' My name is Taimoor and I am<br />
the grandson of Mr. Sikander. Can you tell me if he is at home?'<br />
<br />
'Well, he was when Shamim went there a few minutes ago,' said her mother<br />
appearing behind her. 'Wait, I have the spare keys to his house. We<br />
should check if he is O.K.' she said walking to the key hook next to<br />
the door.<br />
<br />
Shamim looked at the ground and sensed Taimoor's eyes scrutinising her<br />
face.<br />
<br />
'Here they are,' said her mother holding up the keys. 'Now lets see what<br />
he's up to.'<br />
<br />
All three walked to Sid's house and Shamim's mother unlocked the door.<br />
There was a gasp from Taimoor and a scream from Shamim as they entered<br />
the small room and saw the small old man lying huddled on the floor.<br />
The always practical lady, Shamim's mother, hurried towards him and<br />
pronounced ' He's dead!'<br />
<br />
Shamim stifled her scream and stared wide-eyed at the kind old man who<br />
always volunteered to help her with her homework.<br />
<br />
' How is it possible? I just left him a few minutes ago and he was fine<br />
moving about arranging things and all. He was so excited about his<br />
grandson coming to meet him,' whispered Shamim.<br />
<br />
Taimoor moved towards the old man he vaguely remembered as his<br />
grandfather. He stroked the wrinkles on the old, loved face and closed<br />
his eyes.<br />
<br />
'He was too happy! Too happy! Just couldn't handle all the happiness!'<br />
he whispered as he held up an old photograph that had been clutched in<br />
Sid's hand. Shamim saw it was the photograph of a young boy sitting on<br />
Sid's shoulders. Below the picture she saw a scrawled word: Aly!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Father-Mohammad-Kasebi/dp/B0002JC5DY?ie=UTF8&tag=cacoetscribe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Father" height="320" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0002JC5DY&tag=cacoetscribe-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cacoetscribe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0002JC5DY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-63233015009492308852010-08-04T11:59:00.000-07:002010-08-04T11:59:17.760-07:00Mortal Coil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0GfPBZ6tWc-ohBOFl45jM-lwti3yAujh-4gXaRs8wuKiKCd8m07qRymaIo8aPaRiNO2KBx2GHgWIjb-SW6Q219d2VCpgyJHeW7OCgZuoFtsbfg0PM9dkT1qHkVmO49E8nSxyyw3s6s4/s1600/Starry_Night_Over_the_Rhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0GfPBZ6tWc-ohBOFl45jM-lwti3yAujh-4gXaRs8wuKiKCd8m07qRymaIo8aPaRiNO2KBx2GHgWIjb-SW6Q219d2VCpgyJHeW7OCgZuoFtsbfg0PM9dkT1qHkVmO49E8nSxyyw3s6s4/s400/Starry_Night_Over_the_Rhone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ3xtlAGBGOSemmQYeVwwI9bmIRtbLG2BH1Vxdv54YZTNZKnEaE6KJmQHejiM0I4Gwcdcg7qvuzdBQPCMqhjKZ_pGlcDoB8QssAWm7OdI5OWAyW6yMhxg3eqwHsbggsmKmBatg-qQvNo/s1600/landscape_siebengewald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ3xtlAGBGOSemmQYeVwwI9bmIRtbLG2BH1Vxdv54YZTNZKnEaE6KJmQHejiM0I4Gwcdcg7qvuzdBQPCMqhjKZ_pGlcDoB8QssAWm7OdI5OWAyW6yMhxg3eqwHsbggsmKmBatg-qQvNo/s400/landscape_siebengewald.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br />
Oh, to lie beneath the stars!<br />
Permit the echoes,<br />
Silence blows my way,<br />
Soothe and calm<br />
My inner world.<br />
Unlike the hum,<br />
From treasured dreams,<br />
Of splinters embedded<br />
In my soul.<br />
<br />
Oh, to lie upon the clouds!<br />
Let the softness,<br />
Of non existence,<br />
Heal and mend<br />
My worn spirit.<br />
Unlike the abrasive<br />
Slash and cut<br />
Of taboos chafing<br />
Against my heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, to lie today!<br />
And be allowed to lie<br />
For ever more.Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-26508659202693311382010-08-04T11:42:00.000-07:002010-08-04T11:42:48.473-07:00The Innocents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZK8dacWHJzF8F_PRw5mvLPnrlMjtHASQp4dTPVXqXnQZjAyILtBeltUfzGmumC6vleteVq-mMmTYHjjZ26Faq17dCR7ojwqZETN26Er2dYw5K79zh99i0xp0GADRYY4Sur99fDIcLpY8/s1600/Cute-Muslim-Baby-Girl1-480x358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZK8dacWHJzF8F_PRw5mvLPnrlMjtHASQp4dTPVXqXnQZjAyILtBeltUfzGmumC6vleteVq-mMmTYHjjZ26Faq17dCR7ojwqZETN26Er2dYw5K79zh99i0xp0GADRYY4Sur99fDIcLpY8/s400/Cute-Muslim-Baby-Girl1-480x358.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIpFDIiDIksEYyzQAdiDbssVatqG8ItfOKdd4s0g_wceYNpEqe8R6d8vfdsydJy_EvbwUXaIoNRkqYskzufI-0vXfp9ZIoOhztivsRPZQPlXFDNoh0uqrkgekjQcix_boOlzmubrH_aM/s1600/war-and-children-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIpFDIiDIksEYyzQAdiDbssVatqG8ItfOKdd4s0g_wceYNpEqe8R6d8vfdsydJy_EvbwUXaIoNRkqYskzufI-0vXfp9ZIoOhztivsRPZQPlXFDNoh0uqrkgekjQcix_boOlzmubrH_aM/s320/war-and-children-18.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
She believed in angels,<br />
in starry nights and<br />
rainbow coloured dreams.<br />
<br />
She believed in smiles,<br />
in flying bears and<br />
bright pink fairies.<br />
<br />
She believed in love,<br />
in joyful giving and<br />
warm glowing togetherness.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamSalrZ9d67iScBggS9wS4b8EL89HlKxl1-uukFHDC2qN0Q0FWU-D44b5m3LMBxs8-jbHPXPS4Vw4L2rGmoPBMYqfeXLhGHzClGRU7r4i3seHjkI7eqeRaPUPGa604xuJdAbnQ__d_oQ/s1600/bnw-carlisle-umunna-nigeria-biafra-war-child-casualty-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamSalrZ9d67iScBggS9wS4b8EL89HlKxl1-uukFHDC2qN0Q0FWU-D44b5m3LMBxs8-jbHPXPS4Vw4L2rGmoPBMYqfeXLhGHzClGRU7r4i3seHjkI7eqeRaPUPGa604xuJdAbnQ__d_oQ/s320/bnw-carlisle-umunna-nigeria-biafra-war-child-casualty-3.jpg" /></a><br />
This little dove,<br />
In a dress stained crimson<br />
and cheeks lacking skin,<br />
What does she believe now,<br />
as she lies strewn over the battle field?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB52zKZ4S8tLJUV5LKDuZnh4e2AL3y5qB_r_fX6w1rv2avOxHMxhaClFj-1f-tTYCHZebNidqwC7VQRps6zZdH0jjYNwG1Ch_u5aixJ-vYbVdKOBBm-QBqM5Gfe0qdN16DfeiUiCx0w4k/s1600/WarKillsChildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB52zKZ4S8tLJUV5LKDuZnh4e2AL3y5qB_r_fX6w1rv2avOxHMxhaClFj-1f-tTYCHZebNidqwC7VQRps6zZdH0jjYNwG1Ch_u5aixJ-vYbVdKOBBm-QBqM5Gfe0qdN16DfeiUiCx0w4k/s400/WarKillsChildren.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-25276635273283674032010-07-24T11:27:00.000-07:002010-07-24T11:27:36.132-07:00Father Part 3As soon as Aly got a job, his attitude towards his parents changed. He<br />
thought they were old fashioned and slow. After leaving for a position abroad, <br />
he didn't even return when his mother died. Sid sighed as he <br />
thought of that day when he had returned home to find his beloved wife <br />
lying on the ground, dead. After the burial, he tried calling Aly but <br />
the only answer he received was from his wife who told him that Aly was <br />
away for a tour with his friends. Aly came back to Pakistan when his <br />
company offered him a lucrative position. That was when Taimoor was <br />
born. Sid cherished the time he had spent with his grandson until he <br />
was four years old. Aly was returning abroad and had decided that Sid <br />
didn't need the large house in Islamabad as he was living alone. So, <br />
Sid had been moved to this one-room place in Rawalpindi where he <br />
received his monthly stipend from his son. <br />
<br />
Sid was called back to reality by a knock on the door. He ambled to the<br />
door and opened it to see a smiling Shamim holding a box in her hands. <br />
<br />
' My cake!' hooted Sid clapping his hands together.<br />
<br />
' Yes, Uncle Sikander, it is your delicious chocolate cake' said Shamim<br />
moving it towards him. ' It also has extra chocolate shavings as a gift <br />
from me,' she told a grinning Sid.<br />
<br />
'You are an angel, my dear!' exclaimed Sid taking the cake from her and<br />
moving towards the table. <br />
<br />
'I thought I should bring it to save you the trouble of walking to my<br />
house' she said as she walked in behind him. She took the cake from<br />
Sid's shaking hands and arranged it neatly in the centre of the scanty <br />
table. <br />
<br />
'Aly's stipend barely covers his daily food cost, mother,' fumed an<br />
enraged Shamim to her mother after she got back home. <br />
<br />
'I know, dear. There is nothing poor Sikander can do about it. He worked<br />
for a private company which sacked him when he reached 50. With no <br />
savings and a bad health, he has no other choice,' sighed her mother as<br />
she cut the vegetables. <br />
<br />
Shamim looked out of the window and saw a car stop in front of Sid's<br />
house. <br />
<br />
'I think the grandson is here,' she said watching closely as a good<br />
looking young man rolled down the window and looked at the number on <br />
Sid's door. <br />
<br />
' Well, I hope the son is better than his father ever was!' said<br />
Shamim's mother getting up and smoothing the wrinkles in her shirt. <br />
<br />
' Uncle Sikander is still not ready to hear anything negative about his<br />
son! Can you believe that?' inquired Shamim turning around to help her<br />
mother clean up. <br />
<br />
Her mother smiled sadly and lovingly patted her daughter's head. <br />
<br />
'You will understand it, my child, when you have children of your own.'<br />
<br />
Shamim went back to the window and smiled as she saw the young man<br />
walking towards Sid's door.Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-62699557302249164822010-07-21T09:26:00.001-07:002010-07-21T09:26:48.086-07:00Father Part 2Sid sat up with a jolt as he realized he was picturing the homecoming of<br />
his son not his grandson! <br />
<br />
'What is wrong with me?' he thought shaking his head vigorously as he<br />
got out of bed. <br />
<br />
'It isn't as easy as it used to be,' he screamed out as his joints<br />
cracked with every move. ' But today is a special day' he said and, <br />
pulling himself together, he waddled off to the kitchen. <br />
<br />
At first he was surprised to see that it was clean and tidy but then he<br />
remembered that he had done that before going to bed last night. 'nine <br />
thirty five' said the clock in the kitchen, not much time before <br />
Taimoor gets here. It was a good thing that he had requested Shamim, <br />
his next-door neighbour's daughter, to bake a cake for him. He would <br />
have to mow her lawn in return for the favour but that didn't matter as <br />
chocolate cake was Taimoor's favourite. He set about arranging things, <br />
in his only room, for breakfast. <br />
<br />
The warmth of yesterday's phone call was still fresh in his heart as he<br />
placed the plates on the table. Taimoor had called him at Shamim's <br />
phone number, he couldn't afford a phone himself, and said that he <br />
wanted to meet him. He still couldn't believe that his grandson wanted <br />
to see him when his father had decided it was impossible to keep him in <br />
the house. The house that he had built with his sweat and blood, the <br />
house that his loving wife had decorated with her savings. They had <br />
been so happy in that house and the arrival of their longed for only <br />
son had made it an even happier place. <br />
<br />
Aly's first day at school had been difficult-not for Aly but for his<br />
parents. They couldn't trust the people in that place called school <br />
with their darling. <br />
<br />
'Would they understand his feelings? Would they see the potential behind<br />
his quiet nature? Would they let him have his way as they did?' These <br />
were only a few of the worries that plagued the parents of the <br />
resolute young boy who walked into school. His teachers, however, did- <br />
as teachers often do- see the darkness that lurked behind the small, <br />
dark eyes. When Aly was in eighth grade, his teachers summoned the <br />
parents to school to talk about his selfish and disdainful nature. They <br />
told Sid and his wife that Aly showed a total disregard for other's <br />
feelings and his own responsibilities. Sid, who flared up at the <br />
notion, screamed at the teachers and abused them for maligning the <br />
character of his perfect son. So, Aly changed schools. He <br />
changed it again when he was in his final year of high school due to a <br />
similar situation. Being a brilliant young man, Aly was admitted into one <br />
of the best universities of the country where he scored outstanding <br />
grades. He was employed by the most successful multi nationals of the <br />
world and that was when the trouble began.Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-61378912937673180152010-07-12T12:24:00.001-07:002010-07-12T12:24:50.268-07:00Father<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The small room felt so much larger today to the man</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">propped on the bed in front of the lone window. He sensed a change in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">the wind coming through the flimsy curtains that hung down in tatters</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">behind him. The room had acquired a brightness notwithstanding the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">peeling paint on the walls and Sid, as people called him, felt on top</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">of the world. His 19 year old grandson was coming to visit. It had been</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">15 years since he had seen Aly, 15 long years he had spent in this</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">small one room house with no one to smile and tell him he was loved. He</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">chuckled to himself as he thought of the time when his grandson had been</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">born a tiny premature baby.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">He had been waiting outside the labor room when the nurse came out</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">smiling and holding a tiny bundle in her arms. He had suddenly been</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">transported back 28 years to a similar place with a different nurse and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">a different baby-his son. It seemed like yesterday when he had held his</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">first and only son in his arms and gazed down into his puffy face. Now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">he was smiling down at what he had helped to create-his grandson. A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">beautiful baby with his high nose that had run in the family for years.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Sid smiled now as he thought of the day they had brought him home and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">his wife had laid him down in the pretty little room specially</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">decorated for him. Flowers bloomed in every corner of the room and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">stuffed toys smiled down at the newest member of the family.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 12px;">To be continued...</span></span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962717119726819106.post-60842524413087983672010-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:002010-07-12T12:15:09.680-07:00Crocodile Tears<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">He died the night I thought I was dying.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“I can’t breathe,” I whispered, when I heard his languid voice on the other end.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“Why? What’s wrong?”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Gasping, I described the excruciating pain in my lungs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“How bad is it, darling?” He asked, affecting anxiousness. I groaned in reply.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I heard a sigh, laboriously drawn and I smiled in spite of the pain.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“Why don’t you call a doctor?” he suggested. “Or should I call one?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“I’ll do it,” I croaked.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">A long silence.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I felt tears trickle down my cheeks as I crawled to the bedside table. It was in the bottom drawer. Clutching the remote, I crumpled to the floor. I heard sobs through the crackling of my handsfree.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“Darling?” I whimpered.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">A sniff and then, “Yes, I’m here, love.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“Please, don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” I pressed the green button, turning on the camouflaged monitor in the large framed picture on the wall. He never liked that picture.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“Oh, I’m so far away when my darling needs me,” he sobbed piteously.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The monitor stopped flickering and I could see him curled up beside the naked brunette asleep beside him. Behind them, I could see the immaculate carvings of the bed in our holiday home.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“It’s been five days,” I said, pressing the harmless looking pink button and hoping he had his briefcase with him, the one I had fixed up with a false bottom.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">And the screen went blank.</span>Rabab Khanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07139939155393376351noreply@blogger.com2