Aladdin, a character in a book, seeks to be released to heal this world. An evocative poem by Harinder, exclusively for Different Truths.

I was cleaning my small library,
When a book started talking to me
“Let me out,” someone screamed.
On opening the book, I found it was Aladdin.
“Let me and my magic lamp out,
Let me out,” he began to shout,
“Every day on your television I hear,
News of murder and massacre
Children are dying, there is brutality and crime,
How buried in this book can I be fine?
You forget that Genie and Aladdin.
Can with magic make this world clean.”
I told him, “O Aladdin! You are young and innocent,
And this world is no longer a place decent,
At least you are safe in a fairy tale book,
This world dear is full of crooks,
Your magic and your lamp will be of no use,
Your innocence will be abused,
And the posterity will blame me 
For letting you out carelessly
Letting you out will be a crime in itself,
So, stay safe in this book, on the shelf.”

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Harinder Cheema

Harinder Cheema is a renowned poetess and an internationally published author. Her novel, 'The Temple Stop' received 'The Best Book of the Year Award 2020' by Aghaaz, Author in You. She is the co-author of 17 poetry anthologies. Her short stories have been published in the coffee table books. Her articles have been published in various international magazines, and she has also received many prestigious honours and awards in the field of literature.

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