He was wise. When I was weak he gave me strength, when I was stupid he taught me wisdom. When I was hungry, he gave me food. When I was in fear he gave me courage to overcome it. When I was hopeless, he gave me hope. When I was running alone he gave me company. When I was under seige by enemies, he helped me escape. When I was rough he advised me to be gentle. When I was travelling alone he advised me to avoid certain strangers. He was my father, wise man, full of ancient wisdom, who left me in a desert. This is life. Life is never easy. During the last four months, one father, one sister and one elder brother flew toward the sky (died) where all our ancestors have gone. All flying away over short intervals.
Irshad Ahmad Mughal – activist and occasional Pressenza correspondent in Lahore
