Al-Ziyara Options

[Siren]

Frangipani blossoms wreathe a legion
of winding paths
all leading to where you lie.
Their heavy, musky-sweet scent
floods the senses,
and prismatic color
warms the appearance
of your mundane home.

My footsteps squish the damp earth
as they weave their way up to you.
My hands open,
offering to your fresh haven
a bouquet of pink lilies.

Driplets form a tiny pool upon my cheek.
I hear your voice whispering softly...
floating through my heart...

My lips move in silent prayer
for your soul's protection
promising to lie beside you
when my day comes.

The air is coaxed to zephyrs
by your hand,
gently swishing around me
in a soft embrace, long forgotten.

Kneeling,
I hold some soil ...
watch it sift through my fingers.
I close my eyes,
breathe in,
breathe out,

and smile again...

I have touched you once more!



Al-Ziyara = The Visit.....

This was written exactly 3 years ago. June 4th 2002

[Siren]

Dear Grace,

I can't imagine how hard it is to lose a child. I'm glad you shared that with me and am sorry for your loss. I think one of the reasons that there still is sorrow within me is because when he died I had no closure. My siblings and i were scattered around in different houses and my mom was in her own world, oblivious to our presence. We finally came together after 40 days of his death and by then any mention of him was forbidden. My brothers and I have been affected by his death more than our baby sister who was 8 at the time and never really knew him. Maybe one day when God rejoins us under one roof we'll be able to deal with it.

Anyway, I'm glad this brought on sweet memories.

Hugs
Dani