Photo by Aidan Roof on Pexels.com freedom, freedom now freedom in belonging, freedom in rejection is it better to sink beneath the waves of creation’s vast oceans or to take up on wings as eagles, soaring to heights so great that their infinity becomes a point, gliding ‘neath a sun what never burns – envy …
Constructive Interference (تداخل بناء)
By Rasheed Gillespie and Mohammed Hanif One drop I happenedto notice in the torrent --ever cascading. Suddenly I sawthe drop return to its home --divine welcoming. Ripples upon seasflowing past comprehension --all is one; One is. Wave rolls upon wave,hiding what lies beneath all --plunge, diver! Dare, drown!
“Attempted Conversion”
This is my first attempt at two very different things, the first of which is dealing in any way with Urdu poetry (this particular piece is by the great Ghālib). I have also not heretofore tried my hand at composing English alliterative or accentual verse--so here you have it. Enjoy, if at all possible!
“New Year” (سنة جديدة)
" Ohashi at Atake in Summer Shower " by Utagawa Hiroshige One drop I happened to notice in the torrent ever cascading.
“Make Ready for War” (استعد للحرب)
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com Hasten to sharpen the long knife's edge; sashimi doesn't slice itself! Grind the axe until it bites keenly; the miso won't boil without wood! Boisterous laughter buffets cold night air -- "kampai!" Warm spoils of vic'try.
Annihilation (فناء)
A single petal from a cherry blossom falls in stillness -- no breeze.
“Throne’s Lament” (*لبّيك يا حسين)
My grandfather was not but a stump, but for him I've naught but jealousy, for upon him stood the blessed feet of he who was sent, all worlds' mercy. Thou art from him, and he from thee - what gladder news received a man? And what need hast thou of me when thy throne is …
“Talhah’s Omelette” (عجّة لطلحة)
Silky white ribbons - nimbus rising in a sea of gold. Breakfast time!
“Not My Air”
Faint notes of curry and diesel in cold, damp air - so diff'rent from home.
“Oolong Tea in a Turkish Glass” (بدعة حسنة)
Steam rises from the surface of a pond - tulip hosts a black dragon.
StandingUnder 