A Mercy Case

There is a conversation going on in my head

Aqeela says: “the pain of separation is agonizing”

Rizwan says: “express your desire for death, if you are true”

I say: “God, take me now”

Rend the veil between me and ‘Ali

Let me embrace Husayn

Bless my eyes to see Zayn al-‘Abidin

If the choice was between another 50 years in this world, and those 3

there is no choice

my God would look after my son and wife

al-Razzaq al-Kareem al-Wahhab al-Hadi al-Raheem al-Qadir al-Muqtadir al-Muhyi

I do not cry out of discontent with Your decree

I cry because my body cannot contain the yearning

there is only one valve to release the pressure – my eyes

and so I cry

accept these tears, my Lord

and let them pave the way to the abode of men

in front of whom I am nothing but a bewildered lover