River O River!

By Haider Hasnain

River O River how could you bear

The showing of Lady Zaynab’s hair

The women not allowed to cry,

For Abbas, who by you does lie.

River O River did you feel the pain,

Of Imam Sajjad bound in chains?

River O River what a big test

To pull out a spear from your own sons’ chest!

With the cry of “Ya Ali!” came out his heart,

And from this material world he did depart.

River O River what have you to say,

Hussain’s body in a grave they couldn’t lay

The blood of Ali Asghar drips form Hussain’s face

Denied by earth and sky, O what a disgrace!

River O River, when the tents where lit,

When Imam Sajjad could barely sit

River O River all this to make sure

The Deen of Allah comes to no harm?!

River O River all this to ensure

That I would know Islam?