Hussain as man

At Nightspring

Hussain empathizes with the nightingale.

tuning nocturnal odes around the fire

and rewinding his-story, because

summer has come early

to Karabala.

Dreams at dawn dropping dew

on Hussain’s dried lips,

because Karbala’s clouds barely peel

With no shade of any olive tree

under which to rest

Hussain’s sun-scorched eyes

dream waterskins, tents

and smiles for Zayn and Zaynab

The dust has blanketed his face

He knows it wont be. He knows,

His eyes well

the only well

Kissing foreheads and flooding ears

with prayers for rain in each,

Hussain mounts his ladder to Bliss,

DhulJennah

Gliding, the mirage of arrows draws closer

…and Hussain,

resigns

to the angelic chatter

in his chest.

O soul at peace, Return to your Lord, pleased, pleasing!

Then enter amongst my servants. And enter my Paradise!

89:28-30