Speak with me, my Pigeon!

By: Sister Mardhiya

An opening word:

The pigeon belonging to the distant land of Janat ul Baqi, Madinah travels to Mashad; in order to meet his brother.
When he reaches there, he is over whelmed to see the warm gestures of his beloved brother. He gently takes steps closer to him; and begins to talk to him.

To see you again, is indeed a pleasure,
allow me to dust your feather's, my dearest brother.
Where has the glow on your beak gone?
the smile, the laughter;
he asked in a concerned tone.
Had mother been alive today,
she would kiss your feet,
After all, from Madinah you've commenced your fleet.

Soon after, the two pigeons start flying around the golden minaret of Imam Reza's (A) shrine. The pigeon from Baqi looks all round the place and immediately tears roll down his face. Upon seeing this;

My brother,
has the weather caused you disturbance,
or are you already homesick?

The pigeon from Baqi gave a faint smile;
be patient my brother,
I'll tell you in a while.
Look at my wings;
how they're dressed with sand,
Alas, my brother;
ask not of Baqi's land!
From the moment I migrated to Madinah;
I've only heard cries.
The lovers watching from the gate,
wiping their tears with their shirt.
There if a pilgrim touches his Imam's grave,
a weighty stalk on his head is laid.
Here, to mark the birth anniversary of son of Musa (A),
see how lights are lit.
Over there, various occasion's pass,
and darkness is what our eye's sight.
Here the Imam's blessed name,
is calligraphed on the souvenirs,
regarding the solitude of Fathima only Allah knows!
Here the pilgrims are given respect;
while there they are made the centre of suspect.
Here the pilgrims can kiss their beloved's shrine;
there with disappointment sparkling in tear drops,
the women stand miles away from the permitted line.
My brother,
pray that I die before reaching Baqi,
torture on Zahra's lovers,
I no longer can see!
Oh Imam Reza (A), who's the lonely one,
you - or those who lie under the scorching sun . . .