Heaven or Hell?

By Aishani Ghoshal

Welcome to Heaven on Earth,

Where you shall find no pain.

Of beauty there is no dearth,

And silver droplets of rain.

Welcome to the land of snow,

Which the mountains guard with pride.

Which the sun illuminates with a golden glow,

The crown jewel of nature and wild.

Welcome to the land of lakes,

Clear and cold as they glisten.

Clasped in divine embrace,

As to the melody of nature you listen.

Welcome to the land of meadows,

Warm, lush green and vivid,

Or draped in layers of white snow,

Regal, wonderous and frigid.

Welcome to certain paradise,

Where all is not it seems.

Where lie whispers of self-sacrifice,

And shattered hopes and dreams.

Welcome to this blessed land,

The playground of the gods.

One which can no longer withstand

The echoes of broken sobs.

Welcome to this haunted realm,

Where the snow is tinged with red.

Where our history is overwhelmed

With all the blood that is shed.

Welcome to Hell on Earth,

Where you shall find but pain.

Of suffering and strife there is no dearth,

And cries of innocents slain.

Welcome to Jannat-e-Kashmir,

With many tragedies to remember.

Attacked and tortured every year,

But we must persevere.

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By Aishani Ghoshal