Abbas… Abbas
* * *
His hand, when grasped in it water
Would teach desire in times later
No I Abbas, will not falter!
My tongue recites a name greater
* * *
This tongue it burns, and rays of light
Pierce this courage, leaves it in fright
But soul! On you looks choice’s sight
You are Abbas, and you wield might
* * *
Control your self, O’ self that wants
You fight desire on battle’s fronts
With each good deed, your ego taunts
Does your self precede thirst that taunts?
* * *
Your aid belongs to one alone
He stands Hussain, without a throne
Would all your pride, your thirst dethrone?
Would you falter and then atone?
* * *
Your eyes they gaze at water sweet
Would you drink and Abbas defeat?
No self, be damned from this deceit!
You are Abbas, hardships you greet!
* * *
O’ soul! Before you is Hussain
Not after him should you remain
Can you quench thirst that wants him slain?
It’s not the faith that you maintain
* * *
You ride and breeze pierces your skin
Brushes your hair, blood from within
The canteen flows its water thin
To your eye flies an arrow’s grin
* * *
The drums of death, raised is their sound
A wounded lion they surround
O’ death I am Abbas, I pound
My severed arms upon the ground
* * *
As in death’s embrace I wandered
Sweetest water I was offered
I threw its glass, as if dishonoured
“Hussain to death’s clutch is tethered!”
* * *
This clutch on him hurts my glory
What will they say of my story?
I break the walls of purgatory
“Lord take me back, Hussain’s thirsty!”
* * *
Enchained, I watch the devil’s maid
Perch my Master, armed with a blade
His children flock to hurt evade
And in torture, they cry, “Abbas!”
* * *
(London – 13/07/11)