I hear this farewell every single year… when Hussain’s day is near
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
After every loved one to death has fallen… Hussain comes to her tent
He sees through her two eyes, her heart is broken… and his daughters lament
He kisses her head, Fatima’s last orphan… to grief, her heart he’s sent
She holds his shirt and cries… loneliness in her eyes
For one last time, his eyes into hers’ peer
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
She clenches his hand, not wanting him to leave… Hussain is all she knew
Your death is one thing to see, but to believe… my beloved ones are few
Your absence alone till my death I would grieve… and together we grew
With me since I was young… “goodbye” upon my tongue
If I let you go, would you reappear?
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
She holds him close, smelling his scent one last time… drenching his shirt with tears
The comfort and love I gave your heart from mine… you leave for swords and spears
The sun sets in my eyes, tell me what for what crime… and the night on me peers
I live your final day… it takes Hussain away
I bid goodbye to what I held most dear
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
O’ brother, let my hands adjust your armour… with death you’ll look handsome
Don’t let blood pour from the wounds of Zahra’s rose… with death, a rose become
Take care of your skin as you’re mother you’ll face… when death to you shall come
Of this moment they’ve dreamt… go and live this moment
To wash your blood I’ve left tear upon tear
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
His children, some are too young to understand… he leaves them all with her
He walks and they run and grab onto his hand… he looks at each daughter
O’ my daughters go and beside your aunt stand… let go of your father
He let go of each one… beside him is no-one
The lion of God departs without fear
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
He walks and in tears Zainab cries out his name… you’re the son of Ali
How many times I’ve cried and running you came… don’t leave me, don’t leave me
You’re all I knew when orphans we both became… look at this tragedy
Me, you’d never displease… let me die with you, please
Even in death let me to you be near
A heart-breaking goodbye is all I hear
* * *
(London – 09/06/13)