Once, from love ones torn apart… now king of millions of hearts
If any are left in sorrows, tell them: Ali Al-Ridha
* * *
Called a stranger, but not a stranger in our eyes
He comforts every heart where a stranger lies
They shy from all, but no stranger from his hand shies
And his hand wipes every tear that a stranger cries
A divine light that lights the heart’s loneliest skies
In every stranger’s heart, the flag of Ridha flies
Every stranger looks to him… the pride of Bani Hashim
Because to every stranger he is a friend and a father
If any are left in sorrows tell them: Ali Al-Ridha
* * *
Long after from Medina Al-Ridha was seized
He’s yearned by the living and yearned by the deceased
He who in his life, with anything, he was pleased
Leaves not a soul returning from his grave unpleased
Pleased with no family whilst by Ma’mun he’s teased
With so many lovers now, can he be displeased?
Indeed “Ridha” he became… and named after his own name
The eye weeps to think he smiled with no family member
If any are left in sorrows tell them: Ali Al-Ridha
* * *
Not allowed to upon his own home-soil tread
So Ridha lit up the whole of Meshhed instead
Taken away from the city of Mohammed
So in his grandfather’s name he conquered Meshhed
From Medina to Meshhed, they wanted him dead
But from lovers to lovers Ridha they led
Take him in chains to Persia… take him handcuffed to China
Wherever he goes flock to him will lover after lover
If any are left in sorrows tell them: Ali Al-Ridha
* * *
Called a stranger as if no-one is lonelier
O’ Ridha I swear I do not see a stranger
I see he who to some couldn’t be dearer
To others dearer to them than their own mother
I see he who leaves no wish without an answer
I see a legend who entices forever
Like oceans to you they pour… extending hands by your door
Of the lonely and the beggar the lover and the carer
If any are left in sorrows tell them: Ali Al-Ridha
* * *
(London – 21/09/13)