In the whirlwind of life, I once lost sight of self,
Thrown abruptly into adulthood, like a forgotten book on a shelf.
Identity eluded me, a puzzle I couldn't fit within,
Yearning to belong, in a world where I had just begun.
Amidst this confusion, I found myself adrift,
Seeking to uncover my roots, to heal and uplift.
Delving into history, my family's torn past,
In the shadows of Partition, where anguish could last.
Ancestors fought and bled for this soil,
Their stories, their sacrifices, in my heart, they coil.
I embraced my heritage, the culture, the land,
A connection so profound, like an artist with their hand.
Language, a bridge to my people's soul,
I learned it anew, making my broken connection whole.
Punjabi melodies filled my ears with grace,
Urdu dramas revealed tales, with characters to embrace.
Reading of history's rich tapestry, so grand,
Of Pakistan and Punjab, in a distant land.
And when I adorned my shalwar kameez with care,
Chunni on my head, paranda woven in my hair.
Jhumke in my ears, a tikka's gentle gleam,
Anklets on my ankles, mehndi's intricate dream.
Surma in my eyes, a night sky's starry theme.
Dainty khusse adorned my feet so neat,
In this cultural tapestry, I found my heartbeat.
Never did i feel more intact with my own soul.
Punjabi, Pakistani, and Muslim,
I stand tall, In embracing my roots,
I found it all. I found me.
Complete and fullfilled.
