He named you Abbas

By: Sister Mardhiya

Open your eyes; unto whom my love I confine;
exchange a glance with me; my strength & spine!
The oppressors rejoice, their trumpets they blow;
gleaming joy from their faces does show.
Every arrow they struck you with;
every spear with which they hit.
pierced my heart, as I watched you ride;
my tears from the enemy how can I hide?
Your right arm symbolized a mighty shield;
your left arm depicted my Zainab's veil.
Scenting your withering fragrance, Sakina shall be restless
how may I narrate the act so inhumane and ruthless?
How to you niece must I convey?
that her veil from her head shall be seized this day?
After you my brother, no stamina I see;
beauty of Haider; donot abandon me!
The day you were born; how father weeped ...
with his hand from your arm the dust he sweeped.
He named you Abbas - the hashemite moon;
to assist me today at this blazing noon.
O pillar of loyalty and trust !
after you to whom the flag must I entrust ?
Your blood has beautified this barren land;
message of love it has taught the sand.
Abbas, my brother I fear to fall;
as 'brotherless' to me the enemy does call.
My feet cannot take me back alone;
on my back I sense a weighty stone.
Before I leave O brother speak ...
I am aware of your state and that your health is weak.
My ears yearned to listen from your lips a word;
during your lifetime, the title 'brother' I never heard.
Bless me Abbas, call me once;
upon this the standard bearer made a faint utterance.
Hussain kissed his forehead;
& towards the tents, empty handed he head.
In one hand the flag and another on his back;
it seemed as though never ending was the track.
Sakina's eyes sparkled with glee;
' My uncle has returned, come all and see! '
The children all gathered around the path;
thirst is to be quenched they happily thought.
As the flag drew nearer; their eyes went wet,
they saw Hussain without his precious asset.
' I shall never ask for water, my uncle return '
this sight has made my heart forever burn.