O’ grandfather… O’ grandfather
I leave with my head held high… and a heartfelt goodbye
* * *
With my head high grandfather I leave your side
To revive your religion O’ Perfect Guide
With my shed blood in Karbala
* * *
Do not fear for I have the best companions
Their bodies shall praise me when left in ruins
Seventy-one are my armour
* * *
I have a moon that descends for your grandson
Yazid’s thousands shall be challenged by his one
This is Abbas my flagbearer
* * *
I have a sister whose veil veils stars
She’ll see beauty when met with my thousand scars
For every wound she’ll thank Allah
* * *
I have a messenger like God’s messengers
Like them he’ll be returned by disbelievers
For my Muslim, what an honour
* * *
Let Yazid’s swords tear my body limb from limb
Someone like me can’t obey someone like him
I yearn death before dishonour
* * *
I am the son of Fatima Zahra’s prayer
And my father’s sword brought the Meccans despair
Stands by me Zahra and Haider
* * *
If when they see our heads raised up, their tears flow
Tell them they’re raised as only to God we bow
It will be this way forever
* * *
Nouri Sardar prays he can be just as strong
The Rehmani sisters with Hussain belong
Students of the son of Zahra
* * *
(London – 01/01/17)