If Abbas sends back your wish… I’ll close my pen forever
* * *
If you have a problem, hardship or a wish
Ask he who in helping those girls would flourish
Let the soother of their thirst soothe your anguish
Trust my ink and trust its words… to your plead his eyes wander
* * *
The door of Abbas for wishes is well known
At his door wishes like roses have been thrown
Every rose into a granted wish has grown
Send him a rose, it returns… as a bundle of flowers
* * *
When you find your heart on a hopeless road stands
To he who has no hands extend both your hands
Don’t fear to knock his door for he understands
Abbas no request burdens… raised in the house of Haider
* * *
If your find your wounds of grief like rivers bleed
Turn to Karbala and say “Abbas, I plead”
Ask him by Zainab he will intercede
If you’re a woman, ask more… for you’ll remind him of her
* * *
If impossible tasks upon your road lie
Find a flag of Abbas, on it a knot tie
Tell Abbas, I’ve asked and await your reply
Don’t think, ever, he’ll ignore… not when you’ve tied his banner
* * *
If you’re by the grave that all his lovers crave
Take a scarf and throw it on-top of his grave
You’ll see give you he who two hands away gave
Don’t stay in your fear or doubt… speak to Hussain’s flagbearer
* * *
Hold the bars that shrine his grave and with tears speak
Whisper the dreams of your heart, tears on your cheek
In his two hands lies all that you want and seek
Don’t be afraid, speak your heart… you can trust Hussain’s brother
* * *
If Abbas denies your wish, I’ll stop writing
And make sure my poems they stop reciting
This is Abbas, impossible is nothing
If Abbas lives, then he hears… and remains the best carer
* * *
Tell him, Abbas, I ask by those children’s thirst
By the soldiers who argued who would fight first
By the child whose blood from his small neck burst
By Qassim, your brothers and… your nephew Ali Akbar
* * *
(London – 27/08/13)