Learning to Breathe

FOR KING AND COUNTRY An august procession of the kingdom's riches, Elephants, camels, cows and dogs Marching in a strict order of ambling lines To the right of the barracks, Or to the far left of the the nurse's tent, Or right in the middle of the battlefield - Where the two armies meet, Dressed in full armour, With helm and horn, White gauntlets charmed against The Witch's Sun, Robes to cover every inch of skin from his poison And a visor to screen the soulful eyes From the wretched workings of the enemy. Flags and banners fly proudly high, Horns blow wildly and raise furore (And so do the bells of the bulls As they march by.) But spirits rise higher still! Bold knights willing to breach their lines, Break free from regiments and rush To a martyr's noble, honored fate. And some of sturdier metal Stand their ground and await The King's orders (For perhaps a khaki clad ambush Lies in wait ahead.) Had this fores...

FLYING VICTORY A glorious passion unknown to me, Of valour, of courage, silenced today, When a holy force plunged, battled away The scarlet monuments of history. Then unfurled the golden wings of victory And opened gates of jewels, spoils to stay, A spirit rising, flying to its sway To meet the host of godly company. Stabbed and wounded the body now remains A son, brother, father, fallen again And I complain of Time slipping away! May the banner fly as high as those wings May it envelop the world in its care And may a martyr never die in vain! - Maryam Kaleem The Battle of Mu'tah was fought in 629 AD (8th year after Hijrah), between the Muslims and the Eastern Roman Empire. The battle is remembered among Muslims for the bravery and courage of the martyrs, most notably, that of Zayd bin Haritha, Abdullah bin Rawaha and Ja'far bin Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with them).  Ja'far lost both of his arms in b...