Do not write about people getting killed
Do not write about kids getting shot
Do not write about women getting sexualised
Do not write the truth
Do not photograph the truth
Do not videograph the truth
Do not speak the truth
Do not see the truth
Don’t speak
Don’t look
Don’t hear
Don’t do
Stand back and watch
Hold your breath
Stay silent
Close your eyes
Self-censor your work
Don’t publish your work
Don’t get into trouble
Be neutral
Be neutral
Because someone is watching you
Because someone is following you
Because someone knows where you are
Don’t talk to a stranger
Don’t be part of the discourse
Don’t share your opinions
Don’t read your poetry out loud
Don’t read your poetry out loud
Because someone has their eyes out on you
Because someone knows where you sit
By the Jhelum
Puffing cheap cigarettes
They know it’s you
Because they see you
And your family
And your lover
Don’t even talk to your friends
You don’t know who is working with who
Be neutral
Write about hope
And love
Write whatever you want to write
Except for the truth.
Featured image: Pexels