Loving you is hard work
Keeping up with your ego
A tempest you are one day
Calm and receptive the next
Self-inflicted flaws
For which you may incriminate me
But yet I love you, though hard work
As you age, not so gracefully
Hopeful memories
That the good old days shall be back
And I will love you even more
But it will take hard work
At times you inflict fear
Nothing I do leaves even a dent
Of improvement
So they talk of leaving you
To whom shall I go?
Perhaps I will never know you, completely
But who knows me as well as you?
If I have to work hard at loving you
By God I shall do just that
Others before me have fought for you
I wonder if I would, though
I am covered in your indelible dust
I will love you until I die
And it is my wish
That others will continue loving you
And that it won’t be quite as hard work any more
***
Your soil has fed me
Your waters have quenched me
Your sun has warmed me
Your rain has made me realise
That truly prayers can be answered
Kenya, may your flag fly high and proud
This week’s Dungeon Prompts challenge was about hard work and what it means to you. I normally do not attempt to answer such questions. But I hope you like the twist in this dedication :)
SONYA KASSAM 
So many people will relate to this thinking it’s the obvious, and then when they see the twist even more people will relate to it. You’ve captured that feeling of patriotism and yet frustration so well….
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Thank you for lovely comment. Great to have your feedback! I am sure you are able to relate very well.
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This is a beautiful poem, Sonya. I could almost fit it on a person I know who loves a fickle lover. And then at the end the poem resolves itself into something far more beautiful. Thank you.
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Thank you for letting me know that Salman Sahib. From the feedback I received, it seems to fit in with many people’s lives. I’m happy that you enjoyed it.
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Awesome Sonya. Loved it.
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Thanks so much!
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I love this. Halfway through the first read, I thought – this can’t be about the obvious. It must be about a parent or maybe herself. Yes, how can she leave herself… how clever! Then I came to the closing statements. My heart was moved in a different way. Since I have been places which are inspiring, heartbreaking, hopeful, dehumanized, tragic and sacred altogether; I completely relate to such complex feelings toward a place. Beautiful, beautiful read…
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Thank you so much for that comment. I am pleased to hear that you thought I wouldn’t be writing about the obvious. I shy away from the obvious wherever I can :)
You hit the nail on the head…Feelings towards a place are indeed complex.
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Dear Sonya,
Thank you for this poem.
Like many of your poems, one may read them with many layers in mind, and many interpretations. When I read this, it immediately took me to a painful conversation with a loved one, and to how it’s useful to not expect too much from people, all people.
All good wishes,
robert
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Thank you Robert. Yes, this poem has many layers and interpretations. Sometimes pain is necessary. It lets you know you’re alive :)
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Wow, I had to read it again after I saw what you did with it. Nice job, and very well said.
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That was just the reaction I wanted, for you to read again in context :)
I am glad I attempted the prompt. Very challenging for me.
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It’s a wonderful poem of loyalty to your country, thanks.
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Thank you Ranu
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