In the name of Paradise

She walked into the narrow lane
of the city, her dark black robe
merged with the dusky crowd.
Her face, sinfully white and pale;
Her gait quite weirdly bowed.

Perhaps it was the large bag over
her shoulders; her hand
firmly gripped on it.
Or maybe, the sultry heat of summer
that made her twitch and tic.

A keen onlooker would have noticed
her kohl eyes,
stared rigidly ahead — revealing fear.
And her soft pink lips mumbled endlessly;
perhaps a religious prayer.

She halted abruptly; stood dazed –
like debating to put off the mission
for yet another day.
But instead, her hands raised –
slowly, up to the heavens in revelation; in submission.

With her eyes shut tight, her soul
painted a glorious picture
of the other world: Her paradise. Her goal.
Taking with her innocent toddlers, men and sisters
in the name of a blissful and peaceful home.

And while they cherish the last few
moments of their brief life,
She smiled, childlike — a contented winner
of a strife; gallantly bidding adieu
as she finally hit the trigger.