Faith

Peace I could not purchase
On a velvet jannimaz
Escapes easy, those calming sighs
a remarkable ascension, on soft turquoise.

Unerring faith, a submission blind
question not, you need no lathe
to fashion inquiry
of a critiquing kind.

I cupped my hands, my eyes
followed those furtive palm lines
seeking solace from earth’s woes
heavens descended, so sublime.

A tear followed, the cheek cried
Anguish, vanish, pleaded I
there must be more to being
than to revel in reverie light

I did not ask, nor did I seek
the predicament of a long lie
soothed I am, serene smile
in the glint of the surma

in his quiet eyes.

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For Noel, who became a Muslim today::Honolulu, Hawaii: 18-XII-2009
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Notes: Jannimaz = prayer rug; Surma = a cosmetic eyeliner, often worn before prayers by Muslims or on festive occasions in South Asia (probably elsewhere too).
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Copyright G. Salim Mohammed 2009.