The Meeting

By Novid Shaid, September, 2010

Innamaa hadhihi hayaatu mataa’ – “verily this life is full of struggles”- Young Fata to Dhun Nun Al Misri– Kitab Ul Futuwwa

Abadan tahinnu ilaykumu arwah – “forever do the spirits find rest with You” – Imam Shihaabudeen Suhwardi

When I was a restless youth

And my heart was searching for truth

A chance meeting transformed me

And I was born again, weeping like a baby.

.

It was as I roamed and strode

Through the streets, heaving in a state of overload

My head was grinding and saturated

With worldly worries and grasping faces.

.

And the world seemed dangerous and malicious

Talk and gazes looked so vicious

About the things that I believed

People burned my book of dreams.

.

Then I caught a glimpse of him

And I couldn’t help but wince,

At the light which shone so bright

Right on through to a paradise.

.

He stood, helpless, back to the wall

surrounded by these menacing Neanderthals

who jostled, poked and sniggered,

laughing at his clumsy clothes and rough condition.

.

And though I was hesitant and afraid

These boys had cruelty written all over their gazes

I couldn’t stop myself from saving

him, the lights pulled me in, amazing.

.

And when I stood before these guys,

without warning, they dematerialised.

And now I stood before his eyes.

I drowned in a sea of light, and cried.

.

He stood silent for a while

Handing me a cloth for my tears to dry.

Then he looked deep in my eyes

And sang to me these unforgettable lines:

.

“I’m a poor man on the road

I live without abode

Only scraps are good enough for me

Few desire to speak with me.

.

But when Your sun rose in my life

And Your moon reflects Your light

The warmth eases my pain

And pure cheer graces my days.

.

And when I meet Your special friends

Oh the joy and hope they bring

As we sing about Your light

While this aging world staggers by.

.

So take the rough and tumble on the chin

Fear not of people and their din

For this life is hope and fear,

The pain rides with the cheer.”

.

Then he left and I never saw him again

But the anguish was cleared from my head.

And I saw things as they are

Lights engulfed me, spectacular.

.

Now I roam on through this life

With energetic children and busy wife.

Leaning on each other for motivation

Sometimes suffering the trials and tribulations.

.

But every now and then, we cry,

With tears of joy and heavy sighs

The lights of heaven shine and glisten

And I can’t help but stop and sing:

.

“I’m a poor man on the road

I live without abode

Only scraps are good enough for me

Few desire to speak with me.

.

But when Your sun rose in my life

And Your moon reflects Your light

The warmth eases my pain

And pure cheer graces my days.

.

And when I meet Your special friends

Oh the joy and hope they bring

As we sing about Your light

While this aging world staggers by.

.

So take the rough and tumble on the chin

Fear not of people and their din

For this life is hope and fear,

The pain rides with the cheer.”

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