There’s a city
Hardly beautiful at
First glance,
With no current at
The flick of a switch,
Or paved streets with
Raving cars,
With a soul far deeper
Than the wells its water
Springs from.
Its people congenial and
Warmly welcoming; self
Reliant and assured. Where
Islam is dearly loved; what
Better place could a traveller
Make home.
Muhammed Kamil
EDITOR’S NOTE
Originally published in Citizen on 13 Jul 1992, p. 37. This diplomatic transcription preserves the wording and lineation visible in the archived page.