If (to Farooque)

If days to come seem dark and cold –
They’re not! For you they’re not!
For you the sun will give its gold –
Just treasure what you’ve got!

If words just wouldn’t tell a thing
To anyone around,
Make words a hymn, and make it ring,
And make it proudly sound!

And may all smiles and laughing eyes
Be seen and shared by you!
And may your smile reach sunny highs
And make you breathe anew!

(2006)