As Warm as Snow by Wafaa

As dawn carefully crept in, embroidering the hill tops with golden canvas, not daring to disturb snow from its nap after a night of hard labor, tranquility governed. Creatures retired each into a secret corner, availing peaceful moments as such. Out of silence depths, the landing of snowflakes played a pleasant melody as they basted their perfect white gown, while the wind stood still, frozen by nips penetrating it from every direction. How would it feel like out there, being no one yet everyone? Would the smell of snow sweeten the breaths I take? Would its cold outshine the chilliness overwhelming me? I gazed longingly at that hypnotic view, desiring bits of its serenity; but a recurring cheep echoed through my sighs, luring my attention towards a forlorn swallow. His shivering feathers glittered in my tears, and his agony shared mine its root. How similar we looked at that moment, the songbird and I; for we were both captives of memories that have gone too far to overhaul.

Hide and seek by Wafaa

Yesterday night, as I gazed at the sky, I couldn't help but feel jealous of how peaceful it looked. I was lured back in time to long-gone childhood days, where I opted for a memory of us as children playing "Hide and Seek". The sole concern that stewed our minds then was losing the game. I remembered how we could have easily cheated then but our dignity inhibited us. I remembered how we never chose the same place to hide in during one game. I remembered how we helped one another in finding a good shelter. I remembered how we took turns being the seeker. Many times we argued, yelled, and even stopped being friends for ten minutes or so; but it never banned us from settling things and starting a new game the next time we met. I thought of what a wonderful place this world would have been if people's minds stayed as innocent as a child's. I was grateful for the few we still have as such. As for today, I see life as another game of "Hide and Seek"; hiding our fears while seeking light through a dark way; hiding our disappointments while seeking hope on times of depression; hiding repeated faults in seeking new opportunities when old ones dispirit us; hiding our agony in seeking faith through adversity; seeking wisdom in our decisions, love in our actions, kindness in our relationships, and self-satisfaction in how we choose to live.

What a wonderful world

20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of its resources.

The world spends 12 times more on military expenditures than on aid to developing countries.

5,000 people die because of dirty drinking water. 1 billion people have no access to safe drinking water.

Nearly 1 billion people are going hungry.

Over 50% of grain traded around the world is used for animal feed or biofuels.

40% of arable land has suffered long-term damage.

Every year, 13 million hectares of forest disappear.

One mammal in 4, one bird in 8, one amphibian in 3 are threatened with extinction. Species are dying out at a rhythm 1,000 times faster than the natural rate.

Three quarters of fishing grounds are exhausted, depleted or in dangerous decline.

The average temperature of the last 15 years has been the highest ever recorded.

The ice cap is 40% thinner than 40 years ago.

There may be at least 200 million climate refugees by 2050.

facts based on the documentary Home

It's December, Next Comes January By Wafaa

When the traditional fuss starts over the year’s last month, the exile I feel glitters the most. A few passing years have been deficient in fervor which used to mesmerize me by the end of each year. It bugs, being aware of it but unable to change it. New dreams mourn their lack of ambitions; new hopes suffer a dearth of igniting sparks. I miss smiles that once reflected deep relief. I miss spirits that once scattered warmth through the coldest days. I miss promising eyes that once sparkled among the darkest ways. I miss me –a while ago- when my determination shaded a tough reality. I miss my homeland, my grandma’s house, my family gatherings, my friends’ gossip, and the listing is infinite. So another year is about to set off, but despite the commotion that fills the universe with colorful images and joyful sounds, it still feels gloomy and stagnant. For me, this time of year, with the auspicious optimism it is supposed to convey, has lost its individuality between others. Years pass by as if they haven't; no remarkable significance or development indicates their existence. I am more cognizant but less certain. I am more mature but less content. As I grow a year older, my hopes and expectations grow a year ashier. Years have had their mark on my age, my awareness, my maturity, but not on the concept I chose to live; hopefully, it will be actualized one day. I wish the dictator be cured, and the tyrannized be rescued. I wish the agonized attains ease, and the expatriate finds home. I wish morals exceed materialism. I wish love heals what abuse shatters. I wish peace pervades spirits, and unites the world to one nation; a populace believing in equality, respecting freedom of mind, and appreciating the reward of living.

** May This Month Apprise of a Blessed New Year **

Words from Billy Elliot

Dear Billy,
I know I must seem a distant memory to you, which is probably a good thing. It will have been a long time, and I missed seeing you grow.Missed you crying, laughing and studying.
I will have missed telling you off.But please know that I was always there with you through everything. I always will be, and I'm proud to have known you...and I am proud that you are mine.
Always be yourself....I'll love you forever.
Mom