'The Right Word' by Imtiaz Dharker
An accomplished and prolific poet and painter, Imtiaz Dharker is a British citizen who combines Pakistani roots with Indian and English family and cultural ties. Widely quoted and admired, her poems deal with contemporary global issues. In ‘The Right Word’, she deals with the dangers of the human tendency to label people without trying to understand them. In a world filled with division and war, mutual understanding alone can ensure the survival of humankind.
The Right Word
Outside the door,
lurking in the shadows,
is a terrorist.
Is that the wrong description?
Outside that door,
taking shelter in the shadows,
is a freedom fighter.
I haven’t got this right.
Outside, waiting in the shadows,
is a hostile militant.
Are words no more
than waving, wavering flags?
Outside your door,
watchful in the shadows,
is a guerrilla warrior.
God help me.
Outside, defying every shadow,
stands a martyr.
I saw his face.
No words can help me now.
Just outside the door,
lost in shadows,
is a child who looks like mine.
One word for you.
Outside my door,
his hand too steady,
his eyes too hard
is a boy who looks like your son, too.
I open the door.
Come in, I say.
Come in and eat with us.
The child steps in
and carefully, at my door,
takes off his shoes.
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