Beneath the moon, beside the Eurphrates river
Crouches the moon, thirsty, in his palms water
Crouches the moon, with water in his palms, ready to sip
To replenish the sleeping lion’s power
Catches his eye, drawn in the reflection of what he holds
Water so clear, yet this picture is clearer
A child born for a purpose that is softly whispered
Into his ear, by the voice of his mother
“When you are thirsty O’ child, and raise in your palms water,
The thirst of your brother and his daughters remember”
And so he throws back the water… and so he throws back the water…
And crouching moon rises from one knee, as the standard bearer
* * *
When remembered is the message of Hussain… recalled is Abbas, and evoked is his name
The father of virtues, the peak of valour
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
When invoked is his name, drawn upon the mind… is an immortal lesson of brotherhood
Unbearable to him was his brother’s thirst… it tormented him even in childhood
To find the greatness of Abbas, turn your gaze… to Hussain’s broken back when alone he stood
An immortal love that stands the test of time… and still they’re together in shrine beside shrine
And to this Safa he stands guard, a Marwa
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
Admired his courage, his valour adored… his protective heart within him a mountain
It surrounds his women, a veil of zeal… one of a lion, only he could contain
If Zainab walks, he circles her on his horse… the custodian of the sweetest fountain
His courage adored, whilst his zeal brings fear… the eyes of Yusuf but with a lion’s glare
What lion takes pride in guarding a flower?
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
The eye for his figure’s beauty, it searches… when Hussain and his revolution is praised
For how can his flag fly without its bearer… by the arms of Abbas, Hussain’s flag is raised
And when his flag twirls in the hands of Abbas… the window to the soul watches on amazed
He twirls it and puts his lovers in a trance… calling out ‘at his beauty, come, take a glance
Come and see the light of which I’m the carer’
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
Yusuf’s beauty surrenders itself to him… caresses his face, an immortal moonlight
He towers above all, a mountain of gold… protecting his sister, a pillar of height
The feathers of his helmet bow to his eyes… to witness the moons that abide in his sight
His face lights up darkness, an angelic moon… coupled with his height, he stands up a beacon
A carving of gold for each admirer
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
The moon rests itself beside the river bank… within his hands the sweetest of water streams
Yet in it he sees Hussain and his daughters… and boils his blood, the children’s voiceless screams
And rises water in the hands of the moon… returned to its place and shattered are its dreams
And so he rises the Father of Virtues… when deeds want to blossom, Abbas they pursue
And as he rides out, calls his name the water
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
His dome glistens whilst bathed by an ancient sun… he welcomes his lovers with an open door
They come, feeding his thirst with a stream of tears… and for their desires, Abbas they implore
And not, not by God, does he turn one away… he adores his lovers as him they adore
He lives immortal, an undying fire… and for his lovers a door to desire
The prince to the king of the land Karbala
And for Hussain’s message, the standard bearer
Forever immortal, an undying flame… forever immortal, an undying flame
* * *
(London – 24/06/12)