Forty days and counting… Karbala we’re coming
Walking because in our eyes he is priceless
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
His fortieth comes and the Heavens hear a call
Descends on Karbala each lover and angel
The father leaves behind his wife, children and all
The mother carries the children that barely crawl
Men swear by their women… women by their children
No death on this road will bring to us distress
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
Descends on her dust every nationality
The only language that of lovers of Ali
The father tells the son, “get dressed and get ready
Forget your nation, today you’re Karbalaei”
Every road to her bends… the millions descend
No fear, almost in the face of death, careless
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
The call of the man of serves Karbala’s water
“Drink Abu Ali’s water and curse Harmala”
Fatima watches, of who do we remind her?
Qassim, Layla, Abdullah and Ali Akbar
Both the young and the old… every hand her hand holds
She breathes breath into the one who is breathless
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
He who serves us food, who does he see behind him?
He sees on his feet, pouring the food is Qassim
When they reach Karbala’s border, who welcomes them?
Abbas cries out, “O’ servants of Hussain, welcome”
His brothers by his side… his mother cries in pride
“Abbas bring me one of their children to kiss”
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
When to carry her child, she is unable
The mother pulls her son in a makeshift cradle
The old who can’t walk as they legs are unstable
Finds their wheelchairs pushed by all those capable
Both the rich and the poor… walking to the same door
All one, he who is poor finds himself needless
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
I see a young girl and a flag she is holding
She reminds me of Ruqaya, I start crying
I see a woman, at the roadside she’s standing
She reminds me of Zainab for Abbas waiting
She stands there, all alone… cries even hearts of stone
The tears that flow watching these things are endless
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
Upon this road whilst walking, I learnt a lesson
Never look back when Hussain’s your destination
I have Hussain, therefore nothing else is my concern
Be by me or don’t be, to my beloved I return
Catch up or lag behind… by Hussain, me, you’ll find
My life belongs to him, he isn’t worth less
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
When with the millions on his grave I descend
I’ll say I walked all this way to on you, peace send
The beauty of this walk only you comprehend
And I will return each year until my life’s end
Till I’m old and frail… I’ll walk on this trail
Yearly in the dress of death, for you I’ll dress
Walking because anything else is worthless
* * *
(London – 08/08/13)