. . . a time to recollect

every shadow, everything the earth was losing,

 

a time to think of everything the earth

and I had lost, of all that I would lose,

of all that I was losing.

 

       – Agha Shahid Ali, A Nostalgist’s Map of America

 

 

 

In past wars only homes burnt, but this time

Don’t be surprised if even loneliness ignites.

In past wars only bodies burnt, but this time

Don’t be surprised if even shadows ignite.

 

       – Sahir Ludhianvi, Parchaiyaan