Poem

This is a sample from my Kindle novel "Not In My Name"  about the development of home grown suicide bombers in the UK. Part of the novel is told in the form of internet forums, since that is where the new politics is being fought out, but the sample below is a poem. There is a long tradition of Arabic Poetry, including both romantic and courtly verse. As Islam consolidated its influence, the more ribald aspects of poetry disappeared and the object of the love expressed by the poet frequently was that of Islam and faith itself.

Capitation (poem by Aki)

Eyes cast down, neck braced by the wood

Impressed grain logs the ineffable ruling.

Court artist sand, worm’s upraised viewing

Death mask imprinted with my blood.

I blanch while the ascending ground darkens

Trading places, I divine sacrifice not martyr.

In the arena, a recount of the charges

My basket case nerves nod mute accord.

There is no bucket beneath to slam dunk

Neither Jacobin traitor, nor political agitator

My poll will not be mounted upon any pole.

All glassy eyed it will be held up high

Revolved around, to be cheered all four sides.

My lolling tongue and foaming maw

Are requested to shape the words of Shahada.

Lip service paid now, whence in default before

Churlish to supplicate for a miracle.

I hear the soft sandalled tread

An executioner’s shadow enshrouding

As the sword’s molecules dash on deck

Each anticipates bloody anointing.

I shut my eyes, no desire to see

The separation of my apostate head,

From my mutinous body. Instead,

An involuntary prayer, to whom I am unsure.

I hearken the shimmering swish of a scimitar

Perceive behind a field of dancing light.

Beauteous spectral wake as blade parts the air.

Not taut like steel, but floppy green

Long-stemmed bloom presented afore me

A declaration of love, gift of life

Revivifying my enervated senses.

I unfasten my lids, unshutter my gaze

Winch my head up from the stump

And view only the one, you my love

As you drop your veil, to reveal

A different red hue sun glinting.

You shake away the baying dogs

With a sweep of your head

Your welcoming arms grant private audience

I stand and stride, a little shakily

No mirage you, unflinching in bearing

A cradle of acceptance

Perfectly tailored for my body

Hands safeguarding my bare crown.

On approach they spangle and change

Now palm fronds provide our joint canopy

My bride elixir births me anew

Returns me to my root safely.

Intact, yet only half a man still

Unblockishly lower my gaze and modesty