Learning to Breathe

A WARRIOR IN OBSCURITY Bold and brave I had pretended to be, Stepping onto the winding road, now doomed. A well of youthful arrogance in me, Brushing away all the terrors that loomed. Brandishing mighty swords for Honour's sake, With scholars and saints, befriending Wisdom. Peace with one, war with another I'd make, Thus all hailed the guardian of the kingdom! Now I lay weak and old, my pride shattered. Now I stare into the Void - blinded, maimed. Now I am forgotten, a voice unheard. Now I am no more the spirit untamed. Give this wearied soul a sip of Lethe, Deliver me from vile senility! - Maryam Kaleem

REVENGE A feather floating in the wind she is. Not knowing what will face her, not knowing What she will become. All but left to chance. Now, a sunny sprite dancing in the breeze, With gentle footsteps mingling with the grass, With keen eyes searching for dewy clovers, With melodies in rhythm with the woods. Content, happy, with a curious mind! Yet - storm clouds sent from Hell gather with force, Plunging into darkness those gaping eyes Blinded by talons of fire and frost! That tender soul no more shall thrive, but be Cursed by the wrath of the bird wrought with blades Whose feathers she once plucked and plucked away. - Maryam Kaleem

Drops of sunshine pour Through a web of dewy leaves. Sweet Manna for me.

AN ANGEL'S PLIGHT Racing through, headlong into the darkness, No reason to lighten the heavy brow. Encompassed by noise, disease and madness, While in unsteady hands lies a stretched bow. Though I am sure to miss the devil's mark, I'm obsessed with a burning desire To let go, let my arrow pierce the shark And watch the villainous world burn in fire. Pause! take a moment and let me restrain This hand chiseled in the Almighty's name. Must I sin and have my wings plucked in vain Only to play the devil at his game? Racing through, headlong into the darkness, A heart yearning for rays of forgiveness. - Maryam Kaleem

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED Traveling to new places gives us considerable happiness. However, doesn't packing, booking tickets, preparing your passport and visa need a lot of time and money? It's true. Sometimes traveling may just not be an economical option. Falling sick, bad weather, losing one's luggage, delayed or canceled flights are the many things that can ruin your trip. But fret not! Here's a unique way to travel - as good as FREE! There's no need to wait in long queues, no need to pay for tickets, and what's more - there is absolutely no need to worry about a plane crash! That's right! Ready your cup of tea, grab that book, sit back, and gear up for mission exploration! As Stephen King simply said it, "Books are a uniquely portable magic." Over the years, writers have produced great works of literature specially related to traveling. Here are a few travel books that will take you around the world without a plane ticket. ...