Word, like wind, cuts through you / Withers all but true you
If came forth every soul of humankind
With their imaginations all combined
And forged a grand and joint imagining
More beautiful than mortal mind may bring
Therein begins a trace of Paradise
Where morsels of eternity may spring
Inspired by Shaykh Amin’s quotes.
He’s driving
Keeps his sight ahead
Won’t turn his head
To look into your car
A lofty stance
But then he gets
To catch a glimpse
Cognition limps
But doesn’t get too far
He looks askance
And sees you
Seeing him – a grin
Recognition!
Although one deemed subpar
By rueful glance
If you trust the messenger
But doubt the message
It’s clear you must
Not trust its source
Or not know trust
He pointed to his heart of nūr,
Said, “Taqwā: it is here,”
I place a palm upon my own
And feel the word sincere.
Then ask myself: am I among
Who judge in hallowed name?
Or on the other side, a jackal
Playing at a game?
Whatever be my malady,
The heart is hid from eyes,
But naked does it lie before
The Sight that never dies.
He pointed to his blessed heart,
Said, “Taqwā: it is here.”
Ingenious the word that fills
A heart with hope and fear.
Scanning the shops
On the banks of concourse B
I find only disappointment
And almond bark thins
The disappointment is free
I’d sing you a song
But how do I share
My feelings with something
As fickle as air
I’d write you some verse
But that wouldn’t do
I can’t trust to paper
My fondness for you
I’d promise you good times
But time is a beast
That’s prone to conspiring
With fate in the least
So I’ll say a prayer
Now under my breath
To never be parted
From you beyond death
And if too much of me
Appears a crime
Remember we got past
Air paper and time
Neither kufr nor shirk nor sin
But rather what we fear
Is our weakness in
Representing who’s held dear
In all of creation
To Him who’s ever near
I have some great news. Renowned academic press, Fons Vitae, recently accepted my proposal for a collection of poems. The book is to be titled: In The Warmth Of the Shade
This has been in the works for almost four years now. I heard back from the amazing Virginia Gray Henry last August, and it has been steadily picking up steam ever since. We’re presently working on firming up a final draft. The super talented Sumaiyya Rahman (www.thoughtfoundrie.com) is working on the book cover – to be shared once it’s closer to its final state.
With a foreword by my friend and patron, Umar Shakur, the book will feature forty poems selected from my works. Here’s the tentative book blurb.
In the Warmth of the Shade is a collection of forty poems presented in three sections: Creator, Creation, and The Best of Creation. Some poems are stories or historical accounts, others are supplications, and still others offer a peek into the breadth and depth of the Islamic faith. These poems are composed in a variety of classical forms to honor the form and content that is characteristic of traditional academic Islam. Muslim readers will rediscover the oral Islamic tradition passed down over the generations. Others will find a gentle introduction to Muslim thinking and preoccupation.
Alhamdulillah this is finally happening. This publication wouldn’t be possible without the support of some fabulous individuals. They know who they are, and yes, I will duly acknowledge their support in print :-).
Anyway, I just wanted to share this out. I will keep posting updates as they come in.
If darkness be my fate then let me be
The darkness that had hosted my Nabi
When came the Word, a Light that set me free
Yet let me in linger in that company
How blest the darkness in a silent cave
That welcomes in the Nūr upon a slave
It isn’t really service
If you remind the served
Of all you did and what your service
To their cause deserved
That’s deal-making that splits
Your tauheed into bits