From whom does patience learn
Is there a symbol, or a perfect guide?
* * *
When sits on man’s shoulders the world and his restraint
Wants to fail him, his inner screams that need restraint
And against every hardship he has a complaint
With so many tears that a canvas they could paint
Plagues his mind insanity’s clutches as he wades
Through the weight of this world and its terrors and shades
If he ignores his hardships his sanity fades
If he gives in his humanity he degrades
And his confusion asks,
Is there a symbol, or a perfect guide?
From whom does patience learn
Is there a symbol, or a perfect guide?
* * *
A voice he hears speaks to him of calamity
He asks is it my conscience or insanity?
The voice narrates to a mind for wisdom thirsty
“Don’t your hardships carry an essence of beauty?
If you’re eager for reward, why fall toward sin?
Embedded fear from punishment burns temptation
Difficulties can be bared with contemplation
Recall death and the grave that you shall reside in
Better than your patience,
Is there a symbol, or a perfect guide?”
From whom does patience learn
Is there a symbol, or a perfect guide?
* * *
Who is this sweet voice that penetrates this man’s heart?
Which man has mastered patience’s intricate art?
For he’s attached to this man, refusing to part
He cries voice, tell me your name before you depart?
The voice tells him I am time’s ever-burning flame
And eternal are lessons that stem from my name
Since I glared at tragedy when to me it came
The name Hussain a symbol for mankind became
Tell them I am Hussain
When souls are searching, for a perfect guide
From who does patience learn
Is there a symbol, or a perfect guide?
* * *
(London – 22/07/11)