Tale of Loyalty

By: Sister Mardhiya

The restless waters of Furat,
widening its flow,
preparing to receive an awaited guest,
at the hour of noon.
Appears the banner of Hussain;
blurring the primitive landscape,
For at the galloping of Abbas's horse,
all eyes are rooted.
He strides onto the direction,
where his host expects him,
with a bundle of prayers,
from the little children.
Abbas - shouldering the love of Hussain;
granting honor to the word, 'loyal'.
With his every step, the land humbled;
and the forces of oppression fleed.
The strength of Haider rode through the path;
laiden with treacherous mines,
fearless, he battled his way,
with his brilliant hands.
At length he reached by the riverside,
to collect Sakina, souvenir.
Loyal Abbas! Prince of Hussain!
Not a single drop touched his lip;
as thoughts of Asghar he recalled,
the little infant's blue lips,
drenching in thirst,
appealing to uncle to heed.
Mounting back on his faithful ride,
heading back towards the camp.
The cry of children; the pleas & prayer,
flamed his unconditional love.
In one hand the banner,
in other the water,
Abbas leaded the way.
Enroute to destination,
suddenly the world faded in his sight.
The scent of rose flavored the field,
as Abbas's blood flowed down.
His right hand was aimed by hungry men,
his left targetted by spears.
Lacking support, Zahra's brave son;
with cut arms & an arrow,
piercing his eye,
fell onto the scorching sand.
Furat's guest lying helpless,
surrounded by the grave hearted men.
The silent cry of " Peace be upon my master Hussain "
ignited the land & melted the hearts.
Hussain held onto his back saying,
" My spine & strength is forever gone! "
He gravely followed the sound,
which echoed aloud,
Until he neared a beautiful arm.
Raising it towards himself,
hiding his tears from the rejoicing men.
Kissing the hand,
clasping it towards his heart,
and scenting it.
He drew closer to his faithful,
seeing him drowning in blood.
Placed his head on his warm lap,
wiping the blood from his sparkling eye.
An affectionate glance at him,
an expression which spoke a million words.
It were Hussain's final meeting with Abbas,
an encounter so painful and sore.
Abbas spoke,
and Hussain listened.
" Don't take my body back to the camp,
for I have failed to remain Quencher of thirsts. "
Hussain cried with tears of separation,
for the moment of losing a beloved brother neared.
He leveled his forehead,
placing it on Abbas's brow.
" My darling brother,
my standard bearer!
I yearn to hear you call me brother,
O Apple of my eye ".
Abbas, looked at his fountain of love;
whispering the awaited term.
" Brother Hussain " was his closing word,
completing the tale of loyalty.