Companion

For Imran: God bless you and your bride.

My load is heavy, let me rest

My aching self a bit,

But only for a moment lest

I tarry where I sit.

I know I'll slip along the way,

And suffer every plight

As I walk in the scorching day

And in the dark of night.

I may not bear the strength to rise

Above my many pains,

For obligation comes to me

In many different strains.

But come now, take my weary hand

Consolingly in yours,

So I may see you understand

What all the world ignores.

And in return, I promise you

With all my heart and mind

A constant love, and every peace

My faithful hand may find.

I pray to Him upon His Throne

That shades all Will Divine,

That I forevermore be yours,

And you, forever mine.

Lil One, Don't Break Your Fast

I wrote a little something to encourage my children to fast this Ramadan. Sixteen hours is a looooong time. 

Come on, lil' one, don't break your fast,
The sun will set upon us, soon
All thirst and hunger will have passed,
And you'll set out to find the moon;

'Cept you won't see it every day,
Because the moon and earth and sun
Are steadfast in their patient play;
And patience plays with anyone.

If you pick up a tasty treat
And almost put it in your mouth,
Stand frozen as you point your feet,
The left one north, the right one south.

Don't take that glass of water to
Your parched and thirsty, fasting lips.
Pretend your left big toe is you,
And let it have a couple sips.

Blah blah buzz buzz ha ha hee hee.
Did you know saum means silence too?
Make like a giant, sprawling tree,
And sway your hands as branches do.

If all this makes you shake your head,
And crave a more rewarding chore,
Then to your blessed path instead;
You're not so little anymore.