This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
For he who doesn’t know then let him listen
For this tale is wielded in emotion
Toward the tribe of Hashim he was the moon
How can the moon be dragged to an early tomb?
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
When the tongues of Hussain’s children were thirsty
No disbelieving soul could stand in his way
If the night itself water had disallowed
With his hands he would pull down its very shroud
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
By injustice and water-less tongues taunted
To retrieve water for them he had wanted
And when death had stared upon his very face
He glared back and stood his ground and so his place
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
In his heart was weaved very obediance
Such as its foundations teach the worlds patience
From his Master Hussain he sought permission
To quench the fire of thirst in his children
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
The very banner he held itself narrates
Words unspoken yet uncertain remained fates
So when calls him and wants his soul the river
Will he return or bid farewell his sister?
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
He who was to these women a mountain’s shield
If hurt wanted them, then it must break this sheild
From him the enemy fled in ignorance
Is that Abbas or has Ali arisen?
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
With their blood on his palms he reached the river
And brought forth toward his lips the sweet water
And with that lit within him as a fire
When Hussain’s thirsty children he remembers
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
He is the embodiment of all moral
So every soul should take heed of this tale
For justice he gave his hands and so his eyes
Even justice laments upon his demise
This is the tale of who held the banner
* * *
(London – 02/12/10)