for Iqbal Zaied

We’ve got a memory of you  
we carry in our souls 
and wrap it close around us
when the nights get cold. 

You shared your wisdom  
in your home space,
but your humble cushions 
were a school of God’s grace. 

We’ve got a picture of you 
hanging on the wall.
Our eyes can see it 
when the world gets dark 

We’ll look into your eyes,
inside this picture frame.
We reach for your warmth
to feel your comfort all the same. 

You left your mark on our world.
You left tears in our eyes.
You left your words with us,
like a book to make us wise. 

We do not fear the truth, 
but it’s heavy in our hearts,
our vision of your eyes closing
and your hands falling soft. 

We see your snow-like skin.
We read your peaceful face.  
You’re not so far away now,
but we long for your embrace.

We laid you down beneath dark soil.
Allah took you from us here, 
but your soul became a star, 
and he keeps you with him, dear.  

You were a mother to us all, 
from our beginning til your end.
To us you are a hero, still loving us, 
even now from where you stand.