As unveils the night that precedes Ali’s day
The moon in shame decides to shroud itself away
For who would gaze at a moon so over-praised,
When by the sun the real moon’s arm is raised?
* * *
O’ moon that perches upon the brink of the dawn
Today ashamed you should be of the crown you’ve worn
Know your face from the skies your Lord would have withdrawn
If the name Ali upon your face was not drawn
When men look up, they don’t notice your craters
They see ‘Ali’ carved and in giant letters
* * *
They say of this moon, nightly light it reflects
But look how easily daylight your place deflects
Yet Ali’s light even through time itself directs
It moves darkness and against ignorance protects
Do not applaud yourself for what you’ve been blessed
You’ve left all in awe but left us unimpressed
* * *
Tell me, you leave man in awe when on you he’s gazed
But has once your love left a man insane and crazed?
He who falls for Ali is left to wander dazed
Whilst you O’ moon would look upon this scene amazed
You may inspire but Ali touches blood
You become beauty but he becomes beloved
* * *
How does it feel O’ guardian of the night
That Ali’s been crowned to be guardian of light?
All you guard, really, is the absence of daylight
Ali holds the key to that which can bring your plight
So I suggest you show a bit more respect
And hide yourself just as this crowd would expect
* * *
Men frantically search for you on the days of Eid
The days that both celebrate a completed deed
Yet tonight we celebrate our completed creed
Tonight you aren’t the moon the scholars have studied
Sometimes the topic of each conversation
Tonight toward the true moon turns the nation
* * *
Tonight mankind stands immune toward all your charms
As raised by the hands of the sun are the moon’s arms
Circles this moment eternity’s prayers and psalms
And man’s allegiances are drawn into his palms
Tell me moon, could you recreate this moment?
Burn your envy and become Ali’s servant
* * *
(London – 22/09/11)