The Burning Boat
written by: Perwaiz Shaharyar
I had burnt my boat
When I crossed the sea
I was then alone
Only my shadow witnessed it
Now, the stink of burning only I can smell
The burnt mark is visible to those
Who have sparks in their eyes
I am carrying the sea and the burnt boat within me
My boat was burning
There on the sands of seashore
Since then with every tide
Sea attempts to put out the fire and
Wash off my burnt boat
Even for the high tide, it’s not possible to do so
My heart is burning with separation from my beloved
Its pangs are too intense
My blanket cannot properly cover my body
To extinguish the fire
The sea is nothing but my vast body
My toes are touching the seabed
My boat is my heart within – the Sun in the sky
Smoke comes out all over in my mind
My hair turned into ash grey
By the heat of my burning heart
It seems, my heart can’t meet;
Can’t make a reunion with my beloved
Till the sea of my body gets dried out
O, my Lord!
How long will I have to wait
To show you my burning heart
Alas…!
- The Burning Boat - August 21, 2025
