Hussain brings Layla the body of Akbar
A sight that would make blind many a mother
* * *
Hussain enters Layla’s tent, and in his arms
Lies a youth’s body still clenching Hussain’s palms
Once burnt by thirst now from sorrow her heart burns
Her son’s blood stains the clothes of his own father
* * *
The river envies tears flowing from her eyes
With hands bathed in Akbar’s blood to God she cries
O’ Lord who brought Yaqub’s sight back make me blind
What use have the eyes of a sonless mother
* * *
Glory be to God who hath answered my prayer
A mother’s prayer answered when it’s in despair
I asked you O’ Allah return my son here
Your wisdom brought him back a lifeless martyr
* * *
I see Hussain choke up with words left unsaid
Starting at his beloved who to swords was fed
This isn’t Akbar’s body, it’s Muhammad’s
Bathed in his own blood is Allah’s Messenger
* * *
O’ Hussain call Zainab so we can lament
The skies have stalled and have gathered at this tent
Let her see how much your back has become bent
Turn towards Najaf and complain to Haider
* * *
Sajjad when you bury him at Hussain’s feet
With my beloved Akbar, Sajjad bury me
I want my son to hear his mother’s heartbeat
Our bodies shall become one with Karbala
* * *
(London – 10/11/18)