Just Living

Our infancy is the stage
when we know no anguish
of what is at hand
until we rise beyond

With joy or with scorn
we get to push us on
up or down the social ladder
leaving a trail of the past

For some this journey is
an overwhelming bumpy ride
others find the going tranquil
in the end we all are tested
in ways we never expected .

When the Unexpected Strikes

If nature deals a crappy hand
why should we frustrate?
and resign to a life
that may really suck

Even though despair is near
look for the beaten path
where others have trodden
looking for greener pastures

The journey may be perilous
but the rewards are enormous
when the future does hold out
depending on how we persevere

Before the curtain is drawn
and all is said and done
Did we make good?
on this one-time experience.

Good enough is never enough

We operate in a fast global world
Where service is the key to business
and competition always is relentless
so what we do is never enough

It's the 'rat race' that you get trapped
Speed is vital you realize early on
every breadth is a gasp to push more
still you know that's just not enough

Longing for moments of peace and quiet
Not knowing where to turn or return
shows a society under corporate seige
where the task is always unfinished

The rate of return is dollars only
how they make it must be fair
pose questions seeking answers
for life is as good as what we do.

Death marches on

In a continent that started
an ancient civilization
The forces at play find
violent riddles of terror
with deep emotional conflict
and consequences spreading far

Those who have been elected
Should hasten to reason with
opposing sides unrelenting
Those who proclaim to know
the word of God should refrain
preaching hateful violence.

The voices of reason and peace
missing so far in dire crisis
must speak up against requital
and hasten an urgent quest to.,
Save innocent lives deserving
Dignity, Peace and Happiness

Happy is who..

Happy is who, who is content
pursuing the process of action
realizing the goals of a dream

Happy is who, who expends
limited earthly resources
come the end we take nothing

Happy is who, who works not
only to increase the GDP
but aims to balance our life

Happy is who, who loves
this life and humanity
knowing the difference we make

Happy is who, who leaves
a world that is grateful
for having made it better.

You- A Blessing

From parents to family to friends
and every one in between
you enrich my life
in more ways than I can count

The spills and thrills
of this earthly adventure
couldn't rise to lofty heights
without the role every 'you' play

Every hurt is followed by happiness
the contrast of this feeling
will keep you on your edge
always hoping for a better next time.

The Bully

In youth, it isn't cool
when you do things to hurt
for no rhyme or reason
other than just to seek attention

As an adult, he is a freak
Enjoying controlling and hurting
of victims unsuspecting and innocent
all for getting a morbid pleasure

The bully is a rage on the road
with no concern for public safety
Even though others have deadlines
his worry is only for his interest

The bully calls people names
he has a mobile and expressive face
where he bullies when he listens
He is a scornful toady sycophant
when he gets an audience to play on.

Football Fiesta

It's the season of football
or soccer as you may call it
The World Cup in Germany is under way
and the host is off to a flying start

The world cup brings together nations
Across the globe of many factions
Rising above their differences
Making it an amazing spectacle.

Looking back at the cup's past
you face off with living legends
Since Pele of 70, Brazil's dream
was best in Socrates & co of 82

Who would have said their silky
skills and mesmerising passes
would leave you not with trophy
but with a perpetual headachce

Where ever your loyalties lie
Football is now big in business
with sponsorships and merchandising
on superstars attracting super deals.

Home Country

Tropical island is my sunshine home,
The warm and wet conditions are fun to live,
It's simple lifestyle that I have always enjoyed,
Was the strength of my small community.

In the past fishing provided our livelihood,
Most were happy with simple pleasures.
But enter the gas stove and the light bulb,
To replace the firewood and kerosene lamp,
And the much sought after tourist dollar,
Brought sweeping changes everywhere.

The clean and coral sandy roads,
Have given way to an asphalt like surface,
To accommodate the heavy traffic,
Without which the economy cannot sustain.

The spirit of sharing so significant before,
Now finds self moving fast ahead of community
And when I look for modern amenities to get me through,
That's when I know how much I miss the simple lifestyle.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

The pace of life

As I walk through the busy downtown
with skyscrapers rising up to the sky
I picked up pace to reach the riverside path
a place I could jog and soak the breeze.

The field nearby has kids playing around
I guess, they have not a care in the world
others I see, briskly walking and jogging
just for the joy or for health or for both.

Across the river I could see a ferry
with tourists enjoying the cruise
how I wish I could be one of them
but first I must finish my jog
then have a quick look into evening mail
and be ready to take on tomorrow.

The trappings of this fast life
is charming and addictive for me
and I'll have to put up or give up.

The Smile

Your smile lights up my spirits
As the sun shines the day
It costs you nothing to give
It's momentum is infectious.

In this hectic world we live
Often we forget to smile
It can ease the load we carry
I know it can bring so much good.

Now it is fashionable to have
A workshop for everything.
From aerobics to yoga to laughing classes
This is the sophisticated man
Who now has to be thought
How to enjoy his basic instints.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

Tomorrow Never Comes

The problem with tomorrow is,
When it comes it is today.
What I kept to do tomorrow
I can only do today
One more try to bring tomorrow
One more disappointment

It is better for me to accept
I have all the time I need
But only today and it will not wait
For me to realize future dreams
I have to begin work today
For tomorrow will change to today
By the time it reaches me.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

The Sight Of Sound

As I walked through the corridor
My gait brisk as usual
I overtook a man,
smartly dressed carrying
a walking cane.
By a quick glance across
I knew he was, visually handicapped.
Just momentarily I froze,
Thoughts raced my mind
Should I lend a hand,
I glanced once again.
He gave a bemused smile
And uttered, "Good Day!"
And moved on without
Giving another look.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

The Mind

The supremacy of mind,
Over matter is well known,
What is less known and amazing,
Is how efficient it works,
Without its master even knowing how.

It is the faculty that knows,
Between what is right and wrong,
It is a workshop with no shift changes.
It's work is never done,
So long as life goes on.

When you marvel at all the wonders,
Nothing is more complex,
And least understood,
Than the power of the mind.

Whether you feel happy or sad,
Whether you feel pain or pleasure,
You couldn't realize any emotion,
Until your mind made them up.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

Religion

All religions preach to do good.
When we abide by universal values
They'll turn out to be the principles,
That will hold up in the goodness of nature.
When we care and demonstrate our love
We can share the human fraternity
Knowing we will reach the eternity
Through our respective routes.

Let us not impose the self-righteous badge,
On others who choose their own path
Of divine inspiration, notwithstanding
The different streams that promise
The bliss of what we'll never know here.
If our actions do not harm or hurt here
any price to be paid ought to be hereafter.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

Our Planet

The beauty of this planet,
our only dwelling place
is seen by those who go
high above and are in awe
of what they can see...

Our residential planet here
has no known replacement
Yet it continues to be ravaged
by man who is free to act
and protect this unique asset.

Global warming has become
An issue at the forefront
and the ensuing sea level rise
may find low lying countries
yet unprepared for this event.

If we fail to change course early
The consequences will be fatal
Not only for some of us but
for parts of this planet which
has stood through thick and thin.



Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

The New Technologies

It is cool to carry,
Gadgets with multi- functions,
It seems hard to imagine,
What our life would be like,
Without instant messaging and the internet,

With mortality ever increasing,
And more people living lives incredible,
Kudos to advancing research and science,
Amid challenges of a changing lifestyle,
Bringing more unknown and serious threats.

With travel and communication,
So conveniently available and affordable.
The world has become a global village,
When interdependent partnerships,
Are realizing the best benefits.

When technology is the buzz,
And we become cybercitizens,
How we connect with each other,
Has become more important than ever.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy

For My Love Of Good

My love for truth and justice
has been my guiding light
It is my moral compass
that always shows the true north.

I listen to my heart with an open mind
It is there I can find true love
and when I decide to do what is right
I know it can hurt no one else.

When I overcome the pull of flesh
and arise in the early morning
my mind is fresh to reflect and absorb
the beauty of everything that is good.

I love my parents ,my family and humanity
The love that gives me peace of mind
is when I apply the golden rule
Do unto others as you wish them do to you.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
Submitted to poetry.com

Onward Journey

From the time we are born
Our eternal clock starts ticking
Taking us along a path,
Sometimes of unexpected twists and turns.

If we believe there is a purpose
In why we are here,
We can all contribute,
For everyone to have a safer trip.

When our time is run out
We are consigned to,
The fire, the water, or the grave
The eternal rest in peace
Is ours to keep,
For a life lived with honor.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
Submitted to poetry.com

By The Sea

I love the sea and always will
It brings memories afresh
Of mom's watchful eye
over my playful misbehaviour
She was afraid of the sea
Lest I might fall into it
and die before she knew it.
But when the shore is,
your closest neighbour
and always welcoming,
None of her threats
can stop me sneaking out
when she was out of sight.
Now when I look back
I know if an accident happens
You can only blame yourself
and sadly those around you.



Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
Submitted to poetry.com

Everyone Can Win

If we look at life with a serious eye,
And play by what is fair and right.
To cherish every life,
Without prejudice and injustice.
Only then can we win.

When we tolerate and accept,
True diversity for who we are,
And if we choose to live,
In harmony with bountiful nature,
Everyone does better in this worldly life.

Before we ravage in conflict,
If we pause to remember,
The horror that it creates,
We can resolve our differences,
To live in peace and harmony


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
Submitted to poetry.com

If Time Stood Still

How will you know when to do,
What you planned to do.
If you say you have no time,
Would that be the truth?

For those who seek pleasure,
Can they not have abundance?
For some who rather remain young,
Won't they be everlasting?

Others who seek the profit,
Can they fail to make the million?
When all is said and done,
Are you not better?
If time runs as it does now.


Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
Submitted to poetry.com

A Century Of Opportunity

When the much anticipated millennium
Finally arrived with pomp and splendor,
The world stood ready,
To embrace a joyous occasion.

Across the globe countries celebrated,
And were determined to make,
The new century a prosperous,
And peaceful one for all humanity.

With spectacular displays,
That dazzled and inspired the creative,
It was the ideal moment,
To continue the search beyond the glitz,
And create lasting good for all mankind.

If the memories can last,
With focus and drive remaining high,
And if the will to persevere can prevail,
This can be a century of unparallel glory

Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
submitted to poetry.com

On The Fast Track

Man has always travelled
But has never conquered
The seas often so majestic
Still the calm can erupt
Into waves so ferocious.

Every year thousands die
From disasters predictable
Yet the loss and painful memories
Soon fade into the past.

In haste we move
To meet the needs we create
Less is not the way
For the market can decide
An insatiable appetite to consume more.

Despite technology always promising
And the danger to nature ever alarming
The pace of industry continues to soar
With consequences more dire than ever.

Copyright ©2006 Mohamed Hilmy
Submitted to poetry.com