POETRY BY ALI SHAREEF

ON AN ISLAND

Breaking the silence in the morning
Rhythmic sounds of waves splashing
Home like feeling to hear, fronds' murmuring
On the beach, crabs in the holes, peeping.

Here on the island, chicken running around
In the blue sky, passing clouds to be found
Sea birds flying towards the fishing ground
Familiar sights of boats, speeding out bound.

Local fishing boats of traditional designs
Shape of bow in the front end, a local sign
A rich heritage of art, not foreign
For the imagination, giving a free rein.

Pristine, milky white beach sands
Clean spotless seaside of the islands
Children happily at play in bands
Their modest house, close by stands.

Morning time for fishermen is to fetch
People at home waits to see the days catch
Tuna, a delicacy, nothing is to match
If the season is good, fill the capacity with a snatch.

 

Solitude

Sense of solitude, quite and empty
Before a dazzling beauty.
Darkness of the night fleeing
Brightness slowly spreading.
Overcoming the delusion
Widening the mind's vision.
Filling the heart with exultation
To see that divine creation.
Wish to learn in spiritual lore
Taking it as my belief's core.

Copyright©15 Dec 20042004

THE TAJ MAHAL

A monument of love
A tribute to beauty
An architectural wonder
Taj Mahal, the crown palace.

The picture does not convey the legend
The romance that shrouds the place,
Call it a teardrop on the cheek of time,
Taj Mahal the crown palace

Not only a piece of architecture,
But the proud passions of a lover.
A celebration of a woman built in marble,
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

The design and adornment are linked,
Oozing the passion , that inspired it,
It is a symbol of eternal love,
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

It rises on a high red stone base
Topped by white marble terrace,
On which rests the dome, and minarets,
Taj Mahal the crown palace

A tribute to a beautiful woman,
As a monument for enduring love,
Reveals its subtleties to the visitor,
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

Main gate is like a veil to a face,
Should be lifted gently, delicately,
To reveal the beauty of the bride.
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

The dome is made of marble,
Tomb is set against the plain
The background works its magic,
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

Through the changing colors of the day
The reflection changes the view
It sparkles in the moonlight,
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

It looks pinkish in the morning,
Milky white in the evening,
Golden, when moon shines
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

Let me say, it has a life of its own,
It depicts the different mood of a woman,
It’s a monument of love, accepted universally,
Taj Mahal the crown palace.

By Ali Shareef
For the anniversary of 350 years .

Impact of Tsunami

When their livelihood is gone,
Leaves of the trees also are falling,
No homes no buildings standing,
The power of tsunami is horrifying.

Children too being carried away,
Nobody could get a grip on anything,
This is the worst catastrophe,
In a matter of minute lost everything.

Tsunami waves, swallowed many souls,
All buildings were reduced to rubble,
Roads are covered with debris,
The whole country went into mourning.

Flood victims, evacuated another islands,
A humanitarian crisis for the country,
No access to fresh water in those islands,
A tragedy that caused untold suffering.

Rehabilitation of ailing economy,
Rebuilding the houses on safe places,
Uphill task before us after the crisis,
With the vulnerability of sea -level rising.

Copyrightalishareef©16.1 . 05
 

A Maldivian Legend

 The first baby was cute of the young couple,
The parents kept her out of sight of the people,
Dhon Aisha and Malima Moosa the proud parents,
Celebrated the occasion joyously,
Named her Dhon Hiyala secretly.

On the same day and at the same time,
A boy was born in another island,
His name was Ali Fulhu, also good- looking,
He is from Hulhudheli of next atoll.
Not far but deep sea in between two islands.

When they were grown and mature,
Ali Fulhu came to her island Burunee, one day,
It happened upon him to see her, on Kamana beach,
It was love at first sight, for both of them, all at once,
The beginning of a famous legendary romance.

At last they got married and lived happily,
Ali Fulhu was working as a blacksmith,
While, Dhon Hiyala was a devoted housewife,
But a shadow was secretly being cast on their life.

A man, called Faqeer Ali visited her house,
Pretending to be a blind he asked her for a shelter
He lived in the house with the permission,
And went away to complete his mission.

He was in search of a beauty for the king
Found the most attractive girl of the day,
Came to Male’ and met the king in the palace,
He was given the title of Dhoshimeyna.

The king and his aide went to Burunee,
After arresting Ali Fulhu as a criminal,
He was given to a riotous crowd,
Gave orders to divorce his wife, much loved.


The king asked the magistrate to do so,
And arrange his marriage with the Beauty,
Before the magistrate, no other choice,
So, he asked the girl to keep down her voice.

They brought her to the wedding ceremony,
Magistrate said “this is an unconventional marriage,
Without the consent of the bride,
And she is a legal wife of somebody”.

Forced her to come to Male’ with the king.
She has to live in agony at the palace,
And at last she managed to runaway secretly,
Embarked on her husband’s boat “Endheri. “

On the way the boat anchored near a sandbank,
They have seen the king’s search party, approaching
She jumped into the sea, a voracious shark caught her,
Her husband jumped to save her but became a victim.

Her head and Ali Fulhu’s leg buried in Kandoodhu,
Even today there is a tombstone in the island,
In the memory of the beauty from Burunee,
A story like Laila & Majnoon in Maldivian history.

Copyright©alishareef03 Jan 2005

My Alma Mater

My Alma Mater Majeediyya celebrating
Diamond Jubilee,
Every student, former and present
Fills his heart with glee,


Proud products of the school,
In every field serving the nation,
This is the time to value and measure.
School’s contribution for the national progress.


We can be proud of the colourful success.
Let us express our gratitude to the institute,
Giving it a place of magnitude
In the field of the education.


Hard work of principals and teachers
Made Majeediyya so popular.
Today it is the central source of knowledge,
Nobody will disagree to acknowledge.


It has brightened the whole country,
Nihil Labore Difficile, is the motto,
It is the guidance of the school,
Going towards a centenary.
 

Copyright©Alishareef04 Jan 2005

Hulhu-Male'


Flame of hope lit up the horizon early,
On seeing a blessed sight thousands move lively.
They wait to get a piece of land eagerly,
Watching the landfill project progressing quickly.
People live in Male’ with untold difficulty,
In a single room sharing many, losing dignity.
Idea for a greater Male’ is indeed, grand,
Because of that, to- day we can get more land.
Thanks for the great, courageous decision,
Paid glorious tributes for the futuristic vision.
For our children, this is a flame of hope,
To solve the problem, knowing how to cope.
This is one of an exemplar of development,
By all means, it is a magnificent achievement

Nuclear Threat


If we recalled bombing of Hiroshima,
One can realize the destruction,
Caused by nuclear attack.
It was more than fifty years ago,
But still the victims are suffering,
Not a story based on fake.
No one can describe the scene of the annihilation,
Heat soared up to six thousand degrees,
A fireball of two hundred meters,
Rose up like a mushroom.
The bodies of human beings melted to skeletons,
Burned beyond recognition,
The whole city flattened to the ground,
From the destructive power nuclear.
How can we be safeguarded from the fear?
Only solution for the problem,
Quest for peace with anticipation,
The desire of billion hearts of our region.
 

World Trade Center


A cool zephyr gently blowing,
In the sky, fleecy clouds drifting.
A glorious season with occasional showers
Trees are green, bees hum over the flowers.

The crowds go by on the street,
All shapes, sizes, dresses one can meet.
For holidaymakers, a day serene,
Happened to see a shocking scene.

The magic flowed from the symbolism
Representing the success of capitalism,
Repository of economic activity,
Pale white towers, tourists’ curiosity.

Visible even through rain and snow,
In the evening, myriad lighted windows
Hundred and ten floors in the complex
From the top, wondrous sight to relax.

A terrorist attack to the World Trade Center,
On the fateful day, eleventh September.
A civilian plane rammed into one tower,
Eighteen minutes later another into the other.

It seems like an awful earthquake,
A dream or a movie of fearful attack.
Millions of papers flying like snow
People jumped out of windows.

An exploding mushroom cloud of dust
Debris and heavy smoke with a gust
The twin buildings fallen and collapsed,
Proudest landmark in the US vanished.


By: Ali Shareef
11 September 2001
 

AGONY OF A WIDOW

When I saw him dead,
So much tears I shed, My eyes became red.
Not so long since we wed,
With the profound agony I went to bed.

What a miserable life in front,
Lost the means, a big amount,
Need my story recount,
This is the fate, no chance to confront.

Future dreams all in vain,
We worked together, in the sun and rain,
We shared each other's pain.
Can't forget him as the blood flow in my vein.

Things planned for the future,
All vanished, drawn in the picture,
Aimed for the kids' nurture,
Before they are grown, and mature.

This incidence opened my mind,
To value a person, honest and kind,
No equal choice I can find,
To support today, I feel no one behind.

Let Us Enrich Humanity
 

Behold! The idyllic scenes of nature
Waves of the sea, clouds in the sky,
Majestic view of mountains and Flowing rivers.
Sun and moon numerous stars,
Various trees with lovely flowers.
On the green pastures animals, are grazing.
In the woodlands, birds feed their offsprings.
What a wonderful world to live in,
If the people are ready for dialogue And given in,
In order, not to be at logger-heads unworthly.
Helping to enrich Humanity,
Every effort towards the goal praiseworthly.
If we are happy to walk, side by side,
This will result-in enormous power
To deal with the problems, And guide.

Drug-Youth's Ruin

Who wants to go into self-destruction,
With a sound mind, surrendering to addiction.
Think twice before you jump,it is wise,
Otherwise you may fall into fool's paradise.
Harming your body, by taking habit-forming drugs,
Sometimes, become unruly or a violent thug.
Happens to see objects apparently real to perceiver,
Which has no objective reality, whatsoever.
Drug addicts become outcasts in the society,
Some return to normal life, after constructive activity.
If you have strong will and determination.
Seek the help from a centre of rehabilitation,
Catching dealers, most important without delay,
In this endeavour, we all have a part to play.
Let us join our hands to save our young generation,
A national service, for the future of the nation.

 PEARLS OF ORIENT PARADISE

Gaily coloured flowers, peek through lush grass,
Breezes fresh from the sea, With no block to pass

Blossoms around, with fragrance mild,
Winsome smile drive your sense wild.

Sinking toes into soft white sand,
Rare experience one can have in island.

Luxurient feeling that creep, unseen,
When you touch the water blue and green.

Setting sun, glimmers like a melting pot,
Kept the world bright and hot.

Harmonious beauty of floral patterned island,
A peaceful haven to walk hand in hand.

Salty waves spraying with the wind,
Invigorate your body and mind.

Plenty of fun and frolic at the beach,
Necessary facilities within your reach.

In the glorious pearls of orient paradise,
Holiday makers are happy weather-wise.

 HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN

Children in healthy environment, a blessing sight,
Bring everyone great pleasure and delight.
Cheerful lovely they are in the shade of greenery,
Their innocent faces shining so bright.
They belong to the future, of the unseen days,
For the parents they are the source of light.
To be in good health, needs clean air to breath,
Pure water to drink, that is a human right.
Our responsibility is great, in the upbringing,
By keeping kids, within the range of the sight.
Polluted air with leaded gasoline on the roads,
Endangering to the children, day and night.
Garbage dumps in the living area of the islands,
And dirty ponds we must note and high-light.
Anything that may be hazardous for health,
To remove or lift aside, everyone's fight.
Children living at unclean places get sick,
And fail to get the normal citizen's height.
If provided well balanced food to children,
They will grow up to be keen and bright.
Let us try to sustain pollution-free beaches,
As a play ground of soft sands, milky white.
Swimming in the lagoon is a good exercise,
At the same time getting benefit of sunlight.
The water around islands keeping crystal,
We have to try with all our effort and might.
Rules that are made for sanitary purpose,
Should not be lenient but very firm or tight.

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IN THE MEMORY OF YASSER ARAFAT
(1929-2004)

A Symbolism of holy struggle,
A man of conviction and courage,
He is the legacy of Palestine,

His life long fight for liberation,
His aim, an independent state,
He is the hope of Palestine.

Dedicated patriot of his country,
Faced many attempted attacks,
He is the leader of Palestine,

Personified his people's dream,
Defends and advocates the course,
He is the founder of Palestine.

His demise a tragic loss for them,
shedding tears, many people wept,
He is the father of Palestine.

Resolution 242, passed by the UN,
It was the fruit of his hard labour,
He is the idol of Palestine.

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CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

So-called the Gardenof Eden, a mystic place,
Believe to be where Euphrates join Tigiris.
This is the cradle of civilization of mankind,
A little parcel of paradise, no need to remain.
The famous eucalyptus known as Adam' tree,
This tree is regarded holy for religions three.
Now this historic site was ruined, no respect,
Everywhere, talk of the town, on this subject.
Mesopotamia, the fertile crescent of two rivers,
Where people start cultivating land by farmers.
They invented Alphabet and divided the day,
Started measuring time, twentyfour hours for a day
In the field of literary, composed first poem.
From it people got to know how to cultivate crops,
Thinking the glory, our eyes filled with tear drops.
Invaders protected oil fields but not the museums,
Lost many historically valuable priceless items.
It is a tragedy, world saw no less than a revenge,
May be, for the Zionists' security a blinding pledge.
The village-Al quran Where tourists poured in,
Now a deserted place, no one dared even to get in.
The people hope one day it will be restored glory,
And see, under the dark clouds whiteness of silvery.
From this foreign domination, praying to be free,
To see so many tourists come under the Adam's tree.
Old glory of Baghdad still in the mind of people,
Their devotion to freedom, an unmatched example.
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WHISPER

Whispered words of love from her lips,
In the darkness, her hands rest on my hips.
I felt her caressing touch on my face,
As we locked together in a warm embrace.
The ticking of the clock seemed stopped,
Unknowingly I began to fall on the bed.
As we enjoyed bask in each other's warmth,
We begin to move together back and forth.
I touched her hair, to prove that she is real,
Not a dream, she was there, that I could feel.
In the peak of ecstasy, glided effortlessly,
Few words of love exchanged unintentionally.
When passion was spent, I laid near her skin,
Feeling the heat of love, started seeping in.
She looked into my eyes and spoke softly,
Expressing a wish to meet each other frequently.
 

THE ARAFATH DAY
----------------

Before us, most awesome sight,
When men in seamless clothes, white,
Women their heads covered,
Regarding life in new light.
At the climax of the pilgrimage,
On the day of Arafat,
The biggest event of get-together on earth.
Chanting the final sermon of the day,
With their hands raised towards the sky,
In praise saying:
"Here I am Oh God! Here I am,
Associate no one with thee".
Moved by spiritual experience,
Everyone in deep conscience,
In the hot sun under umbrellas,
In tears, they are praying for mercy,
Some are on the rocky hill of mercy.
Loudly praying for clemency,
People from all over the world,
Stood shoulder to shoulder,
No difference between classes and gender,
Representing every nationality,
Showing obedience and equality,
Physical and mental purity.
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THE CRANES ARE COMING
-----------------------

A wading bird with long legs, neck and bill,
Comes to shore, to catch fish-its will.

Flying from the perch, in the wood,
Looking down in search of food.

Slowly gliding, mostly spreading both wings,
Rarely one can hear, crane sings.

An embodiment of grace and elegance,
A natural model for patience.

Shows how to wait to get the right chance,
Breaking the morning silence.

Announcing its arrival, in advance,
To the shallow water, makes its entrance.

Seizing small fish, with a snath,
Returns to it a nest with the catch.

Sighting the cranes on the reef side,
Bring homely feeling, of the seaside.
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BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
--------------------

Be happy in gratitude,
Show the winning attitude,

You deserve the best,
Set your mind at rest.

Try for what you want,
Choose things most important.

Believe in your self with determination,
Think about your destination,

Everyone makes mistake,
Never let be bit by same snake,

What you have learned on the way,
Use it as a guide in your way,

Like a bird in a tree,
Let your dream set you free,

Do not stray off the road,
Success will be your award.
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CHANDRIKA-DAUGHTER OF DESTINY
-------------------------------

Tragic news came with a terrible shock,
Suicide attack, nearly killed her,
If not for a bullet-proof car,
Saved from the blast as daughter of destiny.

In a country, torn apart,
With simmering ethnic violence, and confrontation,
More than half a million killed,
People now need to end the agitation.

The Brave daughter of a slain father,
Came to power, with promise of peace,
Political violence, nothing new,
Witnessed her father's assassination.

In front, husband gunned down,
Despite the trauma of such brutal violence,
She could charm her supporters,
With that winning smile, a sign of determination.

Renewing the pledge, to wipe out terrorism,
People lined to cast their votes,
No chance in their minds and thoughts,
With the spirit of unification.
 

MODERN WOMAN
-------------

Walks into the office with a bag swinging,
Her high-heel on the floor, resounding.

She makes her way straight with poise,
Ignoring the talking of the staff and other noise.

Closed the door of her cabin and sits in her chair,
With confidence, as a boss, for all to be fair.

Woman, at first from her humble beginning,
Climbed to reach the top with struggling.

Her image of being an object of desire,
Changed to a substance woman, people admire.

Freedom they have today in many fields,
Enjoying at work under protecting shields.

But gender biases still exist in some sectors,
With the knowledge in many frontiers.

But the hopes no longer a utopian dream,
Public opinion drifts along with the stream.
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JEWEL IN THE CROWN
-------------------

Did our forefathers dream, present changes?
Maybe outside of their vision's ranges.

Thinking about the prosperity of the day,
One can rightfully say this is our heyday.

Far-sightedness of the great leaders,
Listening to the silent cry, as heeders.

Endeavour of hard workers day an night,
Praiseworthy for their clear insight.

The gap between genders, now not broad,
While we march equally on the same road.

For the developing stage, needs a leader,
To be a helmsman, gentle and kinder.

Who has the power of better influence,
Able to see the problems in the distance.

Giving priority to keep peace and tranquillity
Paving the way for progressive activity.

If we are enjoying a better life in all islands,
Means, well managed by capable hands.

Steering through swells of rough seas,
Our ship is sailing with fine breeze.

Let us be united, for the welfare of people
Till we reach the targeted pinnacle.

Happy to see the jewel in the crown,
Glittering brightly, famous and well known.
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WELCOME TO MALDIVES
---------------------

Who would convey to others this impression?
It seems to be a dream, or an artist's imagination.
Landscape of islands, not a creation of fancy it's real.
Who knows where situated this tourist destination ideal.
Clumps of palms, in the midst of trees,
Majestic fronds swaying with the breeze.
Around the islands a blue lagoon,
Always calm sea, after the monsoon.
Mighty network of palm roots beneath the land,
Sometimes, pushing into the shifting sand.
Behind the white beach, luxuriant greenery,
An unforgettable, attractive scenery.
Some enjoying life under the morning sun,
Other's engaging in water-sports providing fun.
Above all peace and tranquillity,
A rare unspoiled destination,
With many recreational activity.
Welcome to Maldives, in the Indian Ocean.
Island resorts, a paradise of admiration.
Its beautiful beaches, if you have done a probe.
Deserve to receive the award "Golden Globe"
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GIFTS OF NATURE
-----------------

Serene sublime snow capped peaks,
Crystal clear lakes, sparkling rivers,
Drifting glaciers and water-falls,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.

Forests lush green valleys,
Enchanting trees carpeted with flowers,
Virgin wilderness, a fascinating spectacles,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.

The collage of splendour of sun-rise,
Against the backdrop of the horizon,
Breath-taking panorama, in the sky,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.

Unmatched vista comes alive,
Specially at dawn and dusk,
Creating an atmosphere of spirituality,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.

Ducks gliding along the water peacefully,
Tranquillity broken only by lapping waves,
On the surface reveals the reflection of trees,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.

In the lakes, Lotus flowers in the bloom,
Freshly washed mountains, spot-lit,
Landscape of the greenery around,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.

Such is the beauty of natures,
Equated with paradise by poets,
The view captivates and intoxicates,
Constantly beckons nature lovers.