Ahh, My Sweet Falastini

A poem by Shafi A. Khaled

Tell me, tell me if you could tell me, tell me if only you would O Falastini, my sweet Falastini

a brute and a coward that I am abjuring self of responsibility who lifts not a single finger to be undeservedly tutored with light from the heavenly candle if you could, if you would, my love to break the shackles of my smallness rendering obsolete myopic fullness

I impose in your celestial repose far from touch, but so close to heart that's why I turn to you to confirm that not only your prayers but all your sacrifices and the way you live as also the way you die are for the Lord of the Worlds!

Indeed, what is that seed that grew the plant that blossomed the flower that bore the fruit that nurtured the land with love and respect with truth and patience with hope and longing smiling in the face of withering loss laughing at the anguish of separation

what heavenly elixir fortifies resolve what potent promise eases earthly loss what heals even as those all around fall

tell me, tell me if you could for you're found, while I'm lost O Falastini, my sweet Falastini tell me, tell me if only you would!