My Wings Unfurl

My Wings Unfurl
By: Neha Ahmed

As I said goodbye and got into

The van that day

Not a single tear did I shed

Though the atmosphere was so grey

Hugs, presents, love

And more was exchanged

Eyes filled with sadness

Falling just short of deranged

    Looking at me

Filled with tears to the brim

My response a gentle hug

And a loving grin

My friend's dad laughing

And filming us

Cheers break out among the boys

As we walk towards the bus

A sense of finality

As the van begins to move

Away,     away,       away . . .

It has not really hit me

I'm leaving for good, I know

But why don't I feel anything?

Should it be this easy to let go?

My life, 16 years,

Spent in this land

So beloved to me

As familiar as my own hand

Well it was inevitable

The coming of this day

And so it has arrived

This day ever so grey

A bird does not cry

When it leaves its nest

Rather spreads its wings to take off freely

From the safety of its mother's breast

Qatar, my home

My beautiful nest

I am leaving now

To face this world's test

With wings spread wide

My face smiling at the sun

I set out to explore

This world is a large one

I will stand tall

With pride shall I fight

Any obstacles in my way

Will see my might

And though I may be gone

for years come many

I will return one day

So you may be prouder than any

After all

You gave me wings

And nurtured me dearly

Showed me how to see this world

A little more clearly

After all

This

is home.

Thank you.