The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Author: Nadia Hashmi

Book Reviewed By: Sumayya Ali

"Books in Silences Speak"

The books that I read in life’s various stages,

And all those whom I skim through their fragrant pages.

They always accompany my saddened heart,

Those soothing words in all times play their part.

When I read Elif Shafak’s Honor enchanted,

Her words spread their wings I see fascinated.

While turning the pages of Nicholas Sparks’ Every Breath yesterday,

I felt as if his utterances could sing to me in their way.

The night was gloomy, but the sea of the city of lights kept moving despite,

Samira Ahmed’s Love, Hate and Other Filters helped me withstand destiny’s dark storms

As stars and fireflies listened to my plight.

Sara Naveed’s Undying Affinity neither argues nor fights,

My best friends tell me the universe’s secrets shimmering like suns bright.

Kamila Shamsie’s Salt and Saffron sometimes made me laugh hard,

Yasmin Mogahed’s Reclaim Your Heart asked many queries smart.

Daisy Khan’s Born with Wings gave me a spell-bounding view of Muslim women,

The nerd in me treasures these precious pearls and life’s fun.

When boredom bores me or I’m among the blessings of life,

I read them because they help many cruel battles survive.

I hear plenty saying books calm inner demons,

They are rightfully a broken heart’s reliable weapons.

Shall keep them until the next world starts,

I wish I’d never do them apart.

Books in silences speak,

When grievances in my soul quietly sneak.