Anila’s poem pays tribute to Rehan, a fallen leader, expressing grief, anger, and loss, exclusively for Different Truths.

The feeling of losing a leader 
A compassionate young man.
My heart wrenches, my soul shatters,
As I watch our country's pride disintegrate.

I can't find the words to express,
The pain that cuts me deep.
I am alive, but inside I died,
A true humanitarian, we no longer keep.

Your bravery and dedication,
For our beloved country, we will never forget.
The last conversation we had,
A treasure, one I will forever hold as a bet.

I wanted to bid you goodbye,
As you took your final rest.
But being a Girl, I was denied,
Only boys could attend, I was left bereft.

If only I could change my gender,
To be able to say my final goodbye.
But my tears speak the words,
My heart is too heavy; I can't even try.

You may not be a blood relative,
But you were always a brother to me.
Losing you, our country's heart aches,
Your death, a great national tragedy.

I wish we had worked together,
To bring peace and make a change.
But destiny had a different plan,
And your life was cut short, a cruel exchange.

My soul weeps for you,
As I lay flowers on your grave.
Respect and peace, I offer,
For the brave soul, we couldn't save.

Your smile and strength,
Will forever be etched in our hearts.
No one can ever forget,
The impression you left, in every part.

I have so much to say to you,
But now, you're not here.
How can I speak to you,
When your absence fills me with fear?

My heart feels empty,
My body numb with grief.
Your murder, a painful truth,
An act that defies all belief.

Why do people kill?
A national hero, so kind,
Why do humanitarian ideals,
Get buried with a heinous mind?

I wish we could talk about peace,
And praise you for all you have done.
But now, all I can do,
Is watch the setting of the sun.

Your sudden death,
Has left us all in dismay.
Every drop of blood you shed,
On my soul, it stains, a deep crimson array.

I don't want to live in a world,
Where such tragedies take place.
But I know you would want me to fight,
For a better tomorrow, with grace.

I may not have the right words,
To write about you, my dear friend.
But as a writer, I promise,
Your legacy, I will continue to defend.

I don't know what lies ahead,
But I won't give up; I'll try.
To fulfill your mission,
And empower the youth to thrive.

Oh my leader, Rehan,
Please guide me from above.
As I continue to share your vision,
And fill the world with love.

The world may have lost you,
But your legacy will forever live on.
In our hearts, in our actions,
As we strive to make the world a better one.

Picture design, Anumita Roy

Anila Bukhari

Anila Bukhari, a dedicated writer from Pakistan, has left a profound mark on the literary landscape with six books and five international anthologies. Her poetry, translated into 16 languages across 50 countries, serves as a beacon of hope. Anila’s impactful work extends beyond words, reaching over 1000 orphaned children through online education initiatives. Through her project “Hopeful Hugs,” she has brought joy to countless homeless individuals, spreading love and comfort through simple acts of kindness.