Where has my son gone… no more do I see your light
And in your absence… even the day turns to night
And when I awake … I search for my moon
But you have left me… even the day turns to night
* * *
As the night falls it engulfs me… and my heart is gripped by sorrow
I wrestle with my son’s absence… until from my eyes my tears flow
Do they not know what they have done… of my Qassim do they not know?
Do they not know how good he was… how in innocence he would glow?
When we came to Taf… my Qassim you were still young
But as we leave here… a man you have now become
I wanted to see… my beloved grow
But you have left me… even the day turns to night
* * *
I wanted to see my son become… a reflection of his father
Now I am left with no Hassan… and left with no Qassim either
What kind of cruel world is this world… they rejoice in the hereafter
Leaving me alone to lament… a husband-less, son-less mother
You saw your uncle… calling out for help, alone
And dressed in armour… your helmet a golden dome
You go to your death… and I am so proud
But you have left me… even the day turns to night
* * *
You saw your uncle all alone… crying: can anyone help me?
You said: if I do not stand up… I am no grandson of Ali
You asked me for Hassan’s helmet… to get his sword and shield ready
I watched you as you left the tents… Hassan’s sword you struggled to carry
I dreamed of the day… my beloved gets married
And not of this day… when a sword your hands carry
It drags on the ground… so full of beauty
But you have left me… even the day turns to night
* * *
After I searched both far and wide… your father’s old helmet I found
But when I found it beloved… my head in sorrow I would pound
For I found it on your body… being dragged across the ground
As the enemy laughed at you… from your throat not a single sound
He brought your body… your arms hung down from his arms
Instead of henna… blood was dripping from your palms
I’d light a candle… to honour your stand
But you have left me… even the day turns to night
* * *
London – 27/08/20