Gitanjali Saxena, a senior journalist currently in Abu Dhabi, is witnessing tense moments as drone alerts and missile interception warnings disrupt normal life in the United Arab Emirates.Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during aerial threats until defense systems intercept incoming missiles. Amid these uncertain conditions, Gitanjali, along with her husband Dr Dileep Saxena, is confined to her home. Moved by the unfolding crisis and its impact on ordinary lives, she has penned a poignant poem reflecting fear, memory, and hope for peace in the shadow of the ongoing Iran war.
PEACE ALONE… CAN LIGHT THE WAY
Busy roads, few cars, lost in haze,
While frightened strangers wander far,
Empty streets, still and bare, unusual,
A haunting silence fills the cities.
Towering buildings scrape the sky,
Unmoved as fear keeps passing by.
Humanity’s faith light begins to fade,
In shadows where the helpless wade.
With trembling steps, each passerby,
Walks unknown paths, unsure of why?
Caught within a ruthless life scenario,
A strange, deep ache in heart and mind.
In memories of the brighter time to enjoy,
Festivals always dressed in vibrant hue,
Moments of joy and love we all knew,
The warmth of bonds, the lively grace,
The glow of smiles on everybody’s face.
Eid’s delight, feasts, fun, celebration,
Endless laughter, get-together with dear.
No doubt, sweetness lived in every time,
Each moment felt like it could touch sky.
For years, this was just our way of life,
Now lost to shadows, pain, and strife,
A darkened gaze has cast its footprint,
Turning joy to silent pain for nothing.
War arrived without a knock or sound,
Shaking lives and shaking the ground.
Bombs and missiles filled the skies,
Countries stuck where ‘Chakravyuh’ lies.
Society trapped in questions deep,
Searching truths they cannot keep.
Why are we caught in pride’s cruel game?
Who must answer, who takes the blame?
Ego and arrogance breed only fight,
Where humanity loses victory’s sight.
Let minds awaken, let wisdom grow,
A mango tree bears fruit its own,
Not what was never truly sown.
Kabir’s wisdom always echoes,
“As you act, fate will fill thine.”
Not through war, but through embrace,
Can peace and brotherhood find place.
Remember human hearts together weave,
We all believe in a bond of love and life.
Every nation, strong enough, decides,
To walk the path where truth resides.
With courage firm and promises true,
A better world can come into view.
Let history stand on humane ground,
Youth with noble thoughts be found.
Let kindness shape the world anew,
And guide the paths we travel through.
In global storms where nations stand,
Let trust not slip from human hands.
Awaken hearts, let truth be proved…
True happiness, love and unity are found.
In this world of chaos, believe in hope,
Let peace, not power, define our scope.
For in the end, it’s not the wars we wage,
It is our bonds of love that write the age.
— Gitanjali Saxena
March 2026
