Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly white star lit from the oil of a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allāh guides to His light whom He wills. And Allāh presents examples for the people, and Allāh is Knowing of all things.

I Was Ready to Tell

i was ready to tell the story of my life but the ripple of tears and the agony of my heart wouldn’t let me

i began to stutter saying a word here and there and all along i felt as tender as a crystal ready to be shattered

in this stormy sea we call life all the big ships come apart board by board

how can i survive riding a lonely little boat with no oars and no arms

my boat did finally break by the waves and i broke free as i tied myself to a single board

though the panic is gone i am now offended why should i be so helpless rising with one wave and falling with the next