As a child, I listened to his songs
Day in and day out,
Not knowing his nationality,
Or his religion.
To that 10-year-old me,
He was my favourite singer,
Not knowing anything about music,
He transcended my senses.

The soulful voice that he had
Reminded how beautiful the
The world was, Until a few horrific attacks
Changed everything at once.

He and his fellow countrymen
Were banned to perform
In my country and rarely sing
A song in our movies now.

Whenever he does it becomes
An instant hit amongst the masses.
Reminding everyone of those
Glorious golden days.

Was he responsible for those attacks?
Does he belonging to that community
Does any harm to me or my country?
The answer is, it does not matter.

Those songs which he has sung
With his heart and passion,
Would never be forgotten,
And would remind people that
There are people on the other side
Who are exactly like us and
Lost brothers in the battle that was.

© Rakesh Bal.