How many lessons do we find in your sand?
Stories that inspire the fallen to stand
I saw life in Ashura… I was blessed with Karbala
* * *
A day that by its timelessness is defined
A memory so fresh that it shakes the mind
Pictures so clear that it gives sight to the blind
A thousand years but it can still break the heart
Hussain taught us when he stood there all alone
In a sight that gave tears to the eyes of stone
Never bow down to a tyrant on his throne
Even if your head from your body they’d part
His stand millions admire… I was blessed with Karbala
* * *
Lessons that inspire he who understands
Like the one who gave away both of his hands
His body fell making sure that his flag stands
Thirsty but selfless he threw water away
Like Qassim and his cousin Ali Akbar
Sons of which their mothers couldn’t be prouder
Gave their lives so in the centuries after
We’d recall them whenever our faith would sway
Against my own desire… I was blessed with Karbala
* * *
I learnt patience from the mother of sorrow
I learnt that today’s words can shake tomorrow
Her words shook Yazid’s throne in Hussain’s shadow
And her moon Abbas would watch from the sky
Karbala you taught me to never have fear
I learn from Hussain when I mourn him each year
Even when his head was raised upon a spear
They would see Hussain still holding his head high
Why should I ever despair… I was blessed with Karbala
* * *
(London – 05/09/14)