WHAT YOU THINK OF ME
is that I am one covered in dignity
whose words are pearls
pearls to be spread in love & light.
whose actions should be mirrored
to teach he who crawls to stand, he who stands to walk, he who walks to increase the pace, and go forth jogging, or running.
Whose thoughts are deep; so deep to be understudied.
إِلهِي أَنْتَ تَعْلَمُ كَيفَ حَالِي *** فَهَلْ يا سَيِّدِي فَرَجٌ قَرِيبُ
yet, you know not that
the words are but vain talks
fading into nothingness,
that the actions are but covers
shading deeds I dare not get caught in.
إِلهِي أَنْتَ تَعْلَمُ كَيفَ حَالِي *** فَهَلْ يا سَيِّدِي فَرَجٌ قَرِيبُ
what you think of me
is that I am one with no worries,
with a listening ear
a supportive back
a broad shoulder
a big grin;
clothed in humour.
إِلهِي أَنْتَ تَعْلَمُ كَيفَ حَالِي *** فَهَلْ يا سَيِّدِي فَرَجٌ قَرِيبُ
yet, you know not of
this heart which houses a wound
capable of desecrating the sanctity of life
if given the freedom to.
but its hands are shackled,
and its will are clipped.
إِلهِي أَنْتَ تَعْلَمُ كَيفَ حَالِي *** فَهَلْ يا سَيِّدِي فَرَجٌ قَرِيبُ
the sky bears me witness
& the earth too
that there is a heaviness in
this place you call home
this place you think is safe
& I cry the heaviness when
the sun goes down
I cry the heaviness to
the One who needs no One
the One who listens
the One we all run to.
for He knows my condition
& with Him lies, the healing.
Footnote:
(Meaning of the Arabic lines)
Oh my Lord!
of my condition are you aware,
so my Master, I ask, is relief near?
— Aladodo Abdus-Salam.
